Lance I shall be a good man to day instead of a better And this word pleased Florestan so well that for a long time after he caused himselfe to be called by that name which his enemy had given him then Nevertheless he did not make him any answer but laying fast hold on his Sheild be endeavored with utmost power to vanquish his enemy but if he did so his enemy did the like in such manner that every body did admire how they could hold out so long Groter wondred how his enemy could make so long resistance wherefore lifting up his sword and with all his strength thinking to take his enemy at advantage he gave him so great ablow that if Florestan had not allayed the 〈◊〉 of it with his shield his life had been in very great danger Wherefore being determined to reveng himselfe he lifted up his armes and as Groter endeavoured to pluck the sword from the place it was entred Florestan wounded him so deeply on the head that he fell down dead the blood runing downe his face which the Breignians seeing they marched directly against their Enemies and so the two Armies joyned together neverthelesse Florestan was first remounted Then began the heat of all the Battail for there dyed on both parts more then two thousand men At this first charge Galuanes and one of the Kings Conzens broke their Lanoes on one another but Galuanes thrust his Lance into his Enemies body The King who led the Battell seeing his Van-guard discomfited and ready to turne their backs he advanced with his Battell and the Duke of Ortilensa did the like and also the Reare guards on both sides There might you have seene many good Knights thrown to the ground 〈◊〉 and as many Foot-men wounded and killed which was a most pittifull thing to behold Galuanes Florestan and Parmenir ranged about the field and they met not any but they went under the edge of their Swords The Duke of Ortilensa and his Sonne were not in the meane time idle but did performe memorable deeds of Armes And on the other side the King of Breigne and the Earle of Aligne Captaine of his Reare-guard shewed well wheresoever they went that their Armes were not idle The Earl of Alastra met the Earl of Alingas sonne and with one blow with his Lance he sent his soule from body which his Father seeing He and ten Knights of his charged on the Earle who being encompassed on all sides was disarmed and borne downe to the Earth But Florestan came there with a good Troop and remounted him by force not without great slaughter for there was no place throughout the whole Army where there was more blood shee l The Earl of Alinge gave Florestan such a great blow that his eyes sparkled of which he soone after revenged himselfe knocking him to the ground with one blow of a Mace Then those of the King of Breignes Party came hastily to succour him and the Duke of Ortilensaos party came to take him Prisoner Then the Conflict began in such manner that the Horses were up to the Pastorns in blood And as these two Armies were thus a striving for the Victory the Duke of Dardary who had followed the Breignians all night with his Troop seeing so fit a time to imploy himselfe came upon the flanck and gave them such an Alarum that from that time they began by little and little to faint At this time the King of Breigue was joyned with the Duke of Ortilensa thinking to revenge the injury he had done him calling him Traytor but the ill fell on himself and he lay there dead For as hee traversed throw the Battell striking on every fide and performing deeds worthy to a Prince by fortune he met the Duke whom he called to the Combate the which the other refused not although he were very old And to say the truth the party had beene ill maintained without the arivall of Florestan who soone adventured his person to the succour of the Father of his Ladie who had by love taken him Captive For which cause he â—ushed in between them and with one blow he so wounded the King that he separated his soule from his body at which his Souldiers were so affrâ—ghted that as well through this occasion as for the arivall of the Duke of Dardarie they fled leaving the hopes of their lives to some adjoyning Woods where they might save themselves But their Enemies did slaughteâ— so many that they were forced to be content to pardon their lives being weary with fighting and killing them By this means the Duke of Ortilensa won the field who received the Duke of Dordary with great joy and at that instant they sent a Gentleman towards the Emperour to whom they sent woâ—d of the good fortune that God had been pleased to bestow on them But now it is time to turne our course where we have left Lisvart and the Infanta Onolerea and her sister Gricilerea they being both in great sorrow for the absence and losse of those whom they had chosen for their Lovers as you have formerly heard CHAP. IX How Lisvart was led to Melia the Sorceresse and of the bad entertainment and ill usage she gave him YOu have already heard the sorrow and sadnesse which the Infanta Onolerea made as well for the Letter which Melia the Sorceresse sent by the Dwarfe to the Emperour as for the absence of Lisvart to whom she was so affectionate Now I thinke seasonable to let you know who she was that led him and the occasion why she used this deceit Know then that the enterprize of the fixty seven Pagan Kings upon the City and Empire of Constantinople was divulged in so many places that the King of the Giant Island purposed to be of the number not for any ill which he wished to the Emperour but to the end that one onely Daughter which he had might learn of Melia part of the skill for which she was so renowned and therefore he would carry her thither and present her to her This Damsell of whom I speake was so excellent in beauty that there was no woman in all the adjoyning Isles that could equall her and her name was Gradafilea So the King of the Giant Island departed from his owne Country and carryed his Daughter with him being accompanied with two thousand Knights with whom he travelled so long that at last he came to King Armatâ— and Melia of whom he was kindly welcomed especially of the Sorceresse Melia who seeing the perfect beauty of Gradafilea she purposed to put that soone into execution which she had a long time before projected which was the taking of Lisvart And to come to the point this was Gradafilea who led him from the Court of the Emperour of Trebisond as you have already heard And to say truely Melia could not have found amessenger so fit to execute such treason for she was such a one as I have told you and as
Damsell to whom he said that through her means alone he was then alive For said he it was she and none other that delivered me out of the hands of cursed Melia. For which cause there was none in the Company that did not respect her and her Father whose Horse was brought then they all mounting did ride to the Tent of Amadis where they alighted But they had hardly put their feet to the ground when Alquefa arived who addressing her selfe to the Emperour of Constantinople entreated him kindly on the behalfe of Oriana to bring Lisvart and the King of the Giant Island to the City for she would have Mrs. Elizabeth to look to their wounds and she likewise desired to see Gradafilea and Queene Pintiquinestra which all the Lords present consented to Wherefore they accompanied her unto the City where they were royally welcomed And all the Kings wounds were dangerous yet Mrs. Elizabeth lookt to them so well that he began to be well in few dayes after CHAP. XXVI How the Pagan Princes after they had beene so illy handled sent to the Christian Princes to demand truce who refused them and of which happened THe Pagans Army was much troubled seeing Atmirix of Liquie dead and the King of the Giant Island out of their power wherefore knowing that there was no remedy they entred into Counsell Where it was concluded to send to the Christians to aske truce for fifteen dayes wherein they might make the deceased Kings Funerall and send their bodies into Asia to be buried Wherefore they dispatched Embassadors for that purpose who came to Amadis who having known the reason of their embassage enformed the other Princes thereof who would not say any thing untill he had declared his judgement wherefore being forced thereunto he said thus It is very certain sir that this wicked people are come into this Country more to offend true Religion and the faith of Jesus Christ then the Country of Thrace and Consiantinople wherefore I think that we should not hearken to them in any such request and that rather we go to find them out and fight them and drive them to the furthest parts of Tartaria And if it be objected that they are great in number I say that they are most of them weak in body and much disheartned and which is more we fight for the faith of Jesus Christ in whose power are all Victories and therefore we shall be sure to vanquish them This opinion was approved of by all Wherefore the Emperour of Trebisond gave this answer Sirs Ambassadors we will have no truce with you but if you do not depart before to morrow we will drive you out and thus you must enform those who sent you This news pleased them not and it did lesse please the Princes of the Army for they had in the former assaults lost the chief of their Souldiers and the rest were much discouraged Wherefore the Captaines of the Army resolved to try their fortunes once againe before they should be more diminished and therefore they gave order to the Souldiers to be ready by Sun rising to go fight their enemies But they were not so secret but the Emperour of Constantinople heard thereof by his Spics and therefore told the other Princes thereof that they might be ready In the mean time those that had been wounded were recovered and their forces were ordered in this manner The Emperour of Constantinople had the guard of the Town accompanied with Quedragant King Arban of Norwales Angrot and Estrevaux Bruner son to the Giant Balan and Gasquiles King of Suesse with a number of footmen And as for the rest of the Army they mustred together in one squadron except the King Don Florestan and the Emperour of Rome who had thirty thousand Horsemen and sixty thousand Footmen to go on the Enemies Baggage and to put them in disorder if they could And as for the Sea the King Norandell the Earls Frandalo and Plastre followed by the Duke of Ortilensa with their Furniture who found the means to surprize the Kings of Bugie and Gilâ—ffâ— who were come into Thrace to hinder the Christians Army from going further but it fell out far otherwise as you shall hear CHAP. XXVII Of the cruell Battaile that was between the Christians and Pagans as well by Sea as by Land and of that which happened YOu have not long since heard how the Christians ordered their affaires but the Turks and other Lords of the Levant were not in the meane time idle but by the advice of the Souldan of Persia they counselled that about midnight their souldiers should set forwards secretly Wherefore they diligenty provided for all â—hings necessary And the King of Jerusalem followed by five other Kings and Califs with a hundred thousand fighting men had the charge of scaling the wall So they likewise sent to their Sea Army and gave order to them that so soone as they should see a Signall of fire they should affaile the Christians sleet but if the worst should happen on their part they should remaine on the Coast of Thrace whereby they might save their men But they did not give the onset untill the day break But if they had they would have found the Christians ready In the meane time Yrguion son to Gandelin whom Perion of Gaule had brought from great Britaine to serve him as an Esquire presented him before Amadis and being armed at all points said to him Sir I am son to Gandalin your ancient servant I humbly intreat you to give me honour of Chivalrie seeing that it is impossible as I think that at a better time I can enter into armes being the day of the Conflict Amadis had never before seen him neverthelesse when he knew who he was he welcommed him for his fathers sake And sent for his father and in his presence gave him the order in so reasonable a time that he had hardly remounted on horseback when the Enemies marched a great pace towards them And at their first meeting their Lances breaking in peeces on their armour made such a noise and the continuall flames of fire as was a pitifull thing to behold and more especially to heare the complaints of those that were wounded some on their heads and on their armes some on their bodies as it was their ill fortunes Amadis Esplandian Perion and Lisvart threw foure Kings dead to the ground at the first onset and entring into the battaile being followed by many good Knights performed marvels And there was killed at the first onset on both sides more then thirtie thousand persons There the Knights of the Sphere and of the true Crosse triumphed for before they laid hands on their Swords they disarmed fifteen Pagans of the bravest of the Army The two Queenes Calafea and Pintiquinestra did as well behave themselves slashing and throwing to ground all those that they mâ—et in their way when Amadis saw five Giants amongst others whom King Grifflant had caused to come
they resolved to take shipping so soon as they could and depart And this determination they soon put in execution And by good chance they found their ships whereinto they entred not standing upon Complements who should first enter so that six thousand of them were drown'd for haste and six thousand more remained on the Land having no shipping So the Moone shining bright and cleer they had the better meanes to weigh anchors and depart Which Frandalo understanding he presently pursued but the winde was faire for those that fled and contrrary to those that pursued Neverthelesse they were overtooke by the swiftest Vessells and forced to fight with as much vigor as they could to save their lives Thus you may see what happened to this great Army of Pagans Whereby was fulfilled the writing which the Knight of the Sphere found written in the Roule of gilt Copper at the fountaine where A lquefa caused him to stay as you have heard in the fift chapter CHAP. XXVIII How the Christian Princes who came to the aid of the Emperor of Constantinople purposed to return into their Countries and of the Enterprize which some Knights undertooke to conduct the Queen Mabila THese Captaines of the Sea being returned from the purtuit of their Enemies and the sick being healed who had been wounded during the Seige of Constantinople every one determined to depart to his wone Countrie of which they informed the Emperor Who after a thousand good thanks told them that for his part he would enter unto the solitary life which he had lead before the Enchantment of his son and daughter Vrganda the unknown was the cause of this sudden departure for she told the King Grasander that some of his Subjects were about to choose a new King thinking that he was dead or quite lost For which cause he purposed to depart the next morning Of which the Knight of the true Crosse Perion and others being advertized they assured them that they would bear them companie to their embarquement And well what doe you think of us said the Queens Calafea and Pintiquinestra doe you think that we will stay behinde we will if it please you goe as well to accompany you as to recreate our selves So the next morning they all met to the number of fifty at Orasandâ—rs lodging who taking his leave with the Queene his wife of the Queen Oriana the other Princesses Ladies and Damsells they set forwards and the three Emperors Amadis and Esplâ—ndian accompanied them halfe a mâ—le cut of the Towne where leaving them to the protection of God they returned and left to conduct them further the two Queens the Knights of the true Crosse and of the Sphere the King Don Galaor Florestan Agnes and the King Don Bruneo King Don Brian and King Grasandor King Gasquilan and King Cildadan King Garinter of Dace and the King of Hungarie King Talanque and the King of Jugarte Garinter King Arban of Norwales and King Dardanie of Breigne Don Quedragant Lord of Sansuegue Galuâ—nes Lord of the Isle of Mongaze and the Earl of Alastre Alin son to the Duke of Ortilense Manly the Sage and Ambor of Gandell Angriole L' Estrevaux and Sarquiles his Couzen Prince Brandalie and the Marquis Saluder the valiant Admirall Frandalo and King Nâ—randell Braror son to the Giant Balan Garante du Xallo Cranitif the Giant Argamont and the son of his son Ardadile Canils Quearagant and Abies of Ireland as also Vaillides Languines Fâ—orestan and Parmeniâ— his brother Galuanes and Perion sons of Galaor Dragonis Balonir and the Earle Gandaline with Yrguian his son Tâ—luis the Fleming and Guileiris couzen to Frandalo with Giants a neer kinsman to the good King Lisvart deceased These fifty as well Kings as valiant Knights with the two Queens Pintiquinâ—stra and Calafea accompanied Grasandor and Mabila to the Sea-Shore and carrying with each of them a Squire who carried their Lance and Helmet they passed over this day with flying the Heron remitting their hunting untill the morrow when they came into a very faire plaine wherein did run a river whereon was a bridge and on the other side there was a Castle where they saw two Knights armed with black armour who tooke two Lances and marching to the foot of the bridge they sent a Damsell before them to defend the passage to passengers This woman made no delay in performing what she was commanded for she met the Knights and inquired who was the chief amongst them Damsell answered the King Don Galaor we are all alike and Companions Well then said she heare the message that I have brought to you They defend said she pointing to the Knights of the Fortresse the passage over this bridge which they have enterprized to keep a whole yeare by the Commandement of those whom they love without suffering any Knight to passe by if it be not on these conditions None that is alone shall pass by without justing with one of them And if they be two they shall each deal with one of them And if they be two they shall each deal with one who if they be cast from their horses and ours remaine on horseback in this case they shall lose their sheilds and horses but if the ill fortune fails on their part they shall have the like losse and may no more enterprize to guard this bridge But if it happen that both the assaylants and the Defendants are thrown down at the first encounter they may all foure come to the Combate of the Sword under the same condition of the Lance. And if none are unhorsed then they are to assaile one another untill they be and not to fight with the Sword Thus I have told you the Covenants which you are to peforme if you will paste any further which they pray you not to take ill at their hands Truly said Galaor the Knights have reason to obey the Commands of their Ladies nevertheless it displeaseth me that they have undertaken such an enterprize Wherefore goe tell them that we will passe over the bridge according to the agreement which they have sent us So the Damsell departed to the two Knights They had come two by two wherefore they agreed together that they would in the like manner goe to the Just in such manner that Belleris Nephew to the Admirall Frandalo and Siontes were the first who came against the Knights and their encounters were such that Belleris and Siontes broke their staves but the Knights of the bridge disarmed them and threw them on the ground Then there came foure Squires who seized on their horses and Sheilds So they stood still to see what would happen to Brunette and Teluis the flemming who were as illy handled as the others Then Gandalin and Yrguian his son set forwards but their horses was likewise seized on by the Squires wherefore Dragonis and Balonir hoped to revenge them and therefore they met the Knights of the bridge so rightly that their Lances flew into shivers
doubtful and I would to God that this which you tell me were more true then I think it to be for I fear the worst Madam said Griliana as you are a great Princesse you ought to be more perfect then simple maids who are commonly less endued with Constancie and Magnanimity of Courage then they who have the title of daughters to a King or great Princes therefore be comforted for if the Letters of Melia are such as I think them you may be very much blamed in doing thus as you doe and afterwards you may consider of it with repentance Griliana knew so well how to give her so many reasons that from thenceforth she carried her sadnesse with more modestie then she had begun And in the meane time the Emperor consulted about the Army that he should raise to goe to the aid of Constantinople the which was retarded until the return of the Duke of Ortilensa who dislodged that very same day and marched so long with his Army that he encamped within a dayes Journey of the town of Autrusque Of which the King of Breigne being advertised he raised the Seige and accompanied with an Army of fifteen thousand horsemen and twentie thousand foot he marched directly to fight him Dardarie who was besieged had news of this in short time and for that cause leaving a good garrison in the Town he marched on the flancks of his enemy as well to hinder him from provisions as to be in the battel if the Duke of Ortilensa should give him battel CHAP. VIII How the Duke of Ortilensa gave battel to the King of Breigne and of what happened thereupon THe Duke of Ortilensa with his Army marched so far into the Countrie against the King of Breigne that they had soone tidings by their Scouts of one another what they purposed to enterprise which was to meet one another and give battel And for this cause the King of Breigne raised his Seige and came hastily against his enemy who not being willing to be surprized or otherwise circumvented he ordered his battel as you shall presently hear To Floreston and Galuanes he gave the Van-guard with four thousand horsemen and eight thousand footmen and he had the maine battel for himselfe and the Earle of Alastra a Gentle Knight which consisted of three thousand horsemen and six thousand chosen souldiers leaving for the Rear-guard three thousand Souldiers and other six thousand adventurers gentle Companions for whose Leader he ordained Parmenir and Alarin of Ortilensa his son to whom the Emperor of Trebisond had given the order of Knighthood the day before he took his leave of him And in this equipage they marched by little and little neer to the King of Breigne who had likewise divided his Army into three Squadrons The first was led by Groter his Son The second by himself and the third by the Duke of Alinga Thus they lodged within two miles of a little Village where the Duke of Ortilensa staid and setting a good watch for all that night they did not disturbe one another untill the next morning when they dislodged And the King sent word to the Duke by a Trumpet that before noone was passed he would make him to know that he had too rashly enterprized to come seek him The Trumpet arived at the Camp of his enemy at the same time that their Captain was in the midst of them exhorting them in general and particular of what they ought to doe and the better to move them to fight he set before their eyes the treason of of the King who having falsified his faith was entred into armes against his Prince and Leige Lord. But so soone as he had seen the Trumpet and had known the cause of his coming he sent him back with this answer Trumpet say to thy Master that if he were as well endued with Loialty as he is with pride and presumption I should account him one of the gentlest Knights in the world But because it is impossible to excuse him of his treason against his natural Prince I have such assurance of his threats that with Gods help before the houre that he sends me I shall have him at my mercy At that time Florestan was present when the Duke made him this answer and as the Trumpet was about to returne the way he came he called him back and said to him Trumpet tell thy Master that if the Duke had knowne my will he should have made no answer for a person taxed with treason as he was did not deserve the speech of so wise a man And if he inquires who I am tell him that I am called Florestan a strange Knight and am resolved to break his pate this day being a mortal enemy to all such wicked men as he is The Trumpet told him that he would obey his commands and took special notice of what Coat of Armes Florestan had on it being of an azure turquin colour embroider'd with flowers of Gold Then he made haste away and went to the King to whom he faithfully related all which you have heard at which he was so greatly angered that he presently sent to his son to advance and march forwards with the Van-guard And so in less then an houres space the two Armles came so neere together that they were within a Lance push when Groter sent a Herald to aske for Florestan who presently appeared to know what he would have with him Sir said the Herald Groter the Captaine of this Troop being the son of the King of Breigne desires to know whither or no you are endowed with as much valor at with injurious speeches and for that cause he earnestly desires that before the two battels doe join he and you may have one single combate My friend said Florestan let him then withdraw his forces as I will doe mine and let him come so soone as he will to finde perhaps that which he shall not hereafter looke for So the Herald tarried not to carry this news to Groter for which cause Florestan on the one part and he on the other left their guards and couching their Lances Groter wounded Florestans horse on the shoulder But Florestan hit him so lively that piercing his Sheild and Halbert the Iron went into his body that through paine he was forced to leave his saddle and measure his length on the ground And as he had ended his course thinking to turne his horse to performe his enterprise the beast being very much wounded died between his legs in such manner that he found himselfe on his feet wherefore he soone laid his hand on his Sword and coming neer to Groter who likewise got on his feet there began between them two a most dangerous combate For they were gentle Knights and of so good heart that Groter said to him in derition so loud that many did hear him By God Knight of the flowers if I have as bad luck with the Sword as I have had with the
well spoken as any Damsell of her time for which cause it was easie to make him believe her and obey her Know then that the occasion which moved Melia to wish this young Prince so much harm was because she knew for certain by her damnable and divelish art that he would be the ruine of the Pagans and a sure Rampart to all Thâ—ace to hinder which she sent Gradafilea into Tsebisend to th' end she might bring him thither but she hid from her her resolution which was to kill him soon after which God would not permit but rendred this Damsel so affectionate towards him and so taken with his love that day and night she thought of nothing more then how shee might gaine him and make him her husband And thus they journied so long together that they arived at the Camp of the King Armato and untill then Lisvart did not know unto what part he was led So the King was very joyfull at his arivall for he had understood of Melia the danger whereinto the Pagans should fall if he lived And as Gradafilea did present him to him Cruell Melia being impatient arived who caused him presently to be taken by four villaines and putting a great chain of Iron about his neck she said to him wicked villaine now you shall have the order which you deserve afterwards I will lodge you in a place where I will answer for you when I please Lisvart being greatly astonished at this entertainment looked on Gradafilea with a pittifull eye and could not forbeare saying thus to her Truly Damsell I never thought treason could be harboured with so great beauty wherewith you are endewed but seeing that disloyalty is so familiar there where it should be strangest I will never trust any creature where I am not better acquainted So Gradafilea could not answer him one word for she was so much greved at his ill usage that she could willingly have been dead for she loved him with all her heart Wherefore seeing that she could not succour him unlesse it were by entreaty crying tenderly she cast her selfe downe at the feet of Armato and said to him Sir I humbly entreat of you that he who hath confided in me may receive no injury for you will doe me wrong and I may justly be accused of treason which never happened to any other of my Linage But the King turned his head on one side and without answering he commanded to imprison Lisvart and that hee should be put in the furthest part of the Dungeon Sir said she I will never depart from your feet if you consent to such an out-rage at least doe me this pleasure that his person be in an honest place and without being chained as a Rogue otherwise assure your selfe that I will complaine of you all my life and in all places wheresoever I shall come And as she was in these vehement passions her Father arived who being abashed to see his Daughter so sad and the injury which was done to him that had followed her he was not afraid but freely spake his mind for which cause Armato fearing to anger him agreed to his Daughters request although said he this be contrary to all reason for if you or she should know of what importance the death of this Rascal is you would both give judgement of death against him So Lisvart was unchained and put into a strong Tower of which Melia kept the Key and besides she appointed thirty Knights for his guard of which fifteen watched untill mid-night and the rest untill day So God give him patience and provide for him otherwise his death is near as we shall recite in the following Chapters But first know that the Gentleman sent from the Duke of Ortilensa to the Emperour arived at Trebisond and related to him at large the Battell that had been between his Army and that of the King of Breigne and the death of Him and his Sonne and lastly the totall defeat of his Enemies For which the Emperour greatly praised our Lord and for the great care which he had he caused it to be often times related by the Messenger even before the Ladies and believe me he did not forget the great deeds of Armes and prowesses of Florestan Galuanes and Parmenir If then Griâ—ianâ— and Bridelenâ— were well pleased doe not doubt they loved these Knights as their owne proper soules And for this cause being retyred into the Chamber of Onolerea they began a debate between them for pleasure who was the best loved and this they did to please the Infanta who ever since the losse of Lisvart ceased not to grieve Their debate lasted so long that at the last Bridelena being more pleasure then any of the rest tooke a Pillow and being of a light heart threw it at the head of Griliana saying to her My Knight loves me best and I will prove it with the blow of my Mall Griliana tooke another and this Combate began so fierce that it forced the melancholick to laugh for there was not a Pillow that was not thrown without great laughter Then being out of breath Gricilerea went betweene them and so this tourney ended therefore we will leave them to rest and so will returne to Perion of Gaule of whom we have been silent so long CHAP. X. How Perion of Gaule surnamed the Knight of the Sphere met the Infanta Tiriaxa and of the many faire adventures which happened to him YOu may remember that we formerly left Perion with Languines Abies of Ireland and the three crossed Knights refreshing themselves in the Arbor which had beene made by the Apes being Pilots and Leaders of the Barque of Asquefa Now then prosecuting our History as these Knights related their passed fortunes Perion asked of Talanque if he heard any news of Garinter and his brother who had been made Knights by the hand of Esplandian as you have heard in the fifth Book and afterwards they passed into the Island of Galifurnus Sir answered he we have now left him in hard and strong war against a certaine King and my neer Neighbour and they have already conquered many faire places from him And what adventures then brought you in these Marches Quoth Perion No other answered Talanque but the renowne of this Fountaine where it is reported there doth ordinarily happen marvellous and strange adventures and although that it was our intention to return presently to Galifurnus we will not now depart so soon from you seeing that God and fortune hath caused us to meet I like this well said he you will doe me a pleasure for I cannot depart from this place until she who brought me hither cometh againe to finde me and so I have promised her but she being returned I will so far prevaile with her that I will follow her or she shall give me leave to goe with you And as he spake these words he perceived a Hart greatly wounded followed by a Gentleman having a horne about his neck very
Knight who is brother to the Emperour Esplandian and son to the most renowned Amadis de Gaule by whom you and I were vanquished io the last seige of Constantinople as you may well remember Madam said he If I committed folly I have dearly paid for it and although that it is a grief to me so likewise I have great pleasure to see you in good health remembring me as yet of the fortunes which we had together even in the last voyage into Thrace And by reason that they lost blood which came out of the wounds of both their bodyes before they went further they had them bound up and from thence fearing the arivall of the King of Jerusalem and the succour of the Children which they had taken they went towards the Seaside where they then found the Vâ—â—sells in which they had taken Port even that of Abies of Iraland and Languines into which the Knight of the Sphere embarqued himselfe And because that Alquefa would returne to her Father who staid for her in the Isle of Apes as you have heard she humbly entreated of Perion to give her leave My great friend said he I pray God guide you but if you will doe so much for me as to grant me one gift which shall cost you little there shall be no day of my life wherein you shall not have of me a Knight ready to obey you How answered she doe you thinke that I will refuse any thing that you shall please to command me no truly were it to adventure the greatest part of my life Then Perion took her apart and they two being alone he said to her in sighs Ah ah Alquefa I thought to have taken an other course and returne towards Madam Gricilerea to serve her as she to whom my heart is so affectionate that thinking on her I die and not thinking on her I cannot live God grant then that this beginning take so good a conclusion as I hope for and doe me so much favour that she may name me hers for testimony whereof I have thought to send her by you the Infanta Tiriaxa with her bother and the Souldan of Liquea whom I pray you to carry to her and present to her on my part for even as I am hers it is reasonable that those things that are mine and which I have conquered should serve her and be hers You shall tell her that my returne unto Trebisond shall be the soonest that I can possibly and that in the mean time I hope not to strike one blow with a Lance nor to doe an act worthy a Knight but what shall be for the glory and love of her Sir answered Alquefa I will wholly performe that which you command me and I will serve you with her with so much loyaltie that you shall perceive it I entreat you doe it said Perion Then approaching near to the Souldan who in the mean time discoursed with Tiriaxa complaining to her that for the desire which he had to see the King her Father he was fallen into the hands of his enemies But the Knight of the Sphere interrupted them in their talke causing them to understand his pleasure in pursuance whereof he said to the Souldan you shall goe with your Knights and you Madam with your Brother and you women whether this Damsell will conduct you and there you shall be welcome for my sake When Tiriana heard these words she redoubled her teares and she sorrowfully answered Sir Knight I am in your power and so unwilling to live that I would I were now dead Madam said Perion I hope you wil have more comfort then you thinke for And for your part Seignior Radiare according to the promise which we have joyntly made together I will that you being arived at the place whereunto I send you that you suddenly dispatch two of your men to go advertize your Subjects that none of them stir against the Emperour of Constantinople but rather that they favour him in all that they can Pardon me answered he my word was obliged to another before you You may command me whatsoever you please but as for my faith it is more then my person I have promised and sworne to succour the King Armato in all and through all and as I have told you my life shall sooner end then my faith be broken Truly said Perion and then I will not doe it and I should be very sorry that through my occasion the word of so great a Lord and so wise a man should be falsified But follow the Damsell and untill I shall see you againe I commit you to God Then the Souldan Tiriaxa and the others tooke their leaves of him and entring into the barque of Alquefa the Knight of the Sphere said to her I humbly entreat you Damsell humbly to salute on my behalfe the Princesse Onolerea and all the other Ladies of the Court having said so he approached near her and secretly gave her a Letter to present to Gricilerea Then the wind being faire the Apes began to row taking the best way for their journey CHAP. XII How the Knight of the Sphere Abies of Ireland and Languines arived at Constantinople and of the great good welcome which the Emperour made them ALquefa being thus dispatched conducting to Trebisâ—â—d the Souldan of Liquea Tiriâ—xa and her Brother accompanied with their Train The Knight of the Sphere embarqued with â—â—iâ—â— of Ireland Languines and the King of Nâ—pâ—â—â— his Sonne recommending to Gods keeping those who would returne to Caliâ—urnus So they driven by a South west wind to so good purpose that without happening on any adventure they arivâ—d at Constantinople the eighth day following Of which the Emperour being advertized was marvellous and exceeding joyfull for he thought that Lisvart his Grand-child was in his Company wherefore he went to receive them And as Perion Abies and Languines did reverence him Frandalo advanced to embrace Perion and in embracing him hee said to him Sir Knight I am so much yours that you may command me as he who desires to obay you for the honour of King Amadis and Esplandian your Brother whose friend a very much affectionate servant I am The Knight of the Sphere had never seen him wherefore the Emperour said to him my sonne you may well have heard speak of the Earl of Frandalo this is he who presents you his service and he is the very same to your friends as he hath witnessed to you In good faith Sir answered Perion he presents me with nothing but what he shall have of me when he pleaseth and that not without cause for his great goodnesse and prowess is so known and recommended throughout the world that he may account himself happy that hath his acquaintance By my soul said Frandalo in embracing you I may well say I have within my armes the true effigies and portracture of the flower of all Chivalrie And this he said for asmuch as Perion did wholly resemble Esplandian his
of his Subjects leaving good Garrisons where there was need and Polinas for Vice-Roy he returned with his Companions into the Isle of Californus where the Queen made them welcome But they sojourned there but a few dayes For so soone as they had men and vessels to goe to the succour of Constantinople they went to embarque themselves So we will leave them in the keeping of our Lord and we will returne to the Duke of Ortilensa who being exceeding joyfull of so fair a Conquest as he had had over the King of Breigne tooke his way to Trebisond CHAP. XIV How the Duke of Ortilensa having vanquished the King of Breigne he returned to Trebisond and of the arival of Alquefa at the Court of the Emperor IN the former Chapters you have heard that after the pursuite and slaughter of the Soldiers of the King of Breigne who fled in the Pâ—out the Duke of Ortilensa and his Companie returned to the Camp and by reason of the night which drew forwards they could not know the dead untill the next morning when they went to revisit them and they found Groter son to the King of Breigne wounded with ten mortall wounds and so trodden with horses that the forme of his face could not be seen a little further on the right hand was also the King his father stretcht out at his length Then as they were esteemed for Traytors so they were separated from the others and by reason of the honor of their Roiall dignity they were honorably interred The bootie then being taken and the Country reduced to the obedience of the Emperor of Trebisond the Duke of Ortilensa tooke his way towards his Master and he was very well received and not he onely but Floreston Parmenir and Galuanes for whose sake the Emperor held open Court six whole dayes for which cause the three Knights had convenient opportunity to entertaine the Ladies who made them understand by effect the extreame pleasure which they took in their so soone returne One amongst them all shewed her selfe to be sad and pensive Alas this was Onoloreâ— who died an hundred times in an houre by reason of the Captivity of her love which she nevertheless dissembled to her power but love pressed her so neer that teares were as familiar in her eyes as water in the pipes of a fountaine And that which more increased her Martyrdome Alquefa of whom our Historie hath so often mentioned arived with the Prisoners which Perion sent to Onolorea and presenting her selfe to the Emperor as dinner was ending humbly recommending to him the unknowne Gentleman whom he had armed Knight Ah! said the Emperor Damsel my friend I pray you be so courteous to us as to tell us where you have left him and whether he purposeth to make us amends for the injury which he did in not discoveting himselfe to me Sir answered she if he hath done you any injury it was not by his good will and therefore he is the more to be excused but if you please to know further of his estate suffer me to performe that which he hath commanded me to say to Madam Gricilerea your daughter Yes truly answered the Emperor Then Alquefa addressing her selfe to the Princesse said to her Madam your Knight who surpasseth all others in Prowesse and Chivalry salutes you as he whom he desires to serve all his life in testimony whereof he sends you by me that which he hath conquered since the time he departed from you in much heaviness Then Alquefa presented to her the great Soldan of Liquie and the King of Jerusalems two children This Gentleman said she is a most renowned Prince amongst the Pagans and that for good cause for he when he is in liberty can command the Country of Liquie as much as the Emperor your father can his And these others are children to the King of Palestine brother and â—ister whom he intreats you to receive and dispose of as your owne He hath given me in charge to assure you that in using them well he shall be much pleased by reason of the greatness of their births and the Conquest which he had made of them in his begining Then she recited to them how she had conducted him from the first day that she found him in Ireland the deliverance of Alquif her father the aid he gave to Languines and Abies of Ireland and particularly all that which hapned untill the very houre that he and his Companions were embarqued to goe to Constantinople to succour the Emperor who expected the Seige of the Pagans in good faith Damsel answered Gricilerea the honor which he hath done me is so great that I have good reason to wish him well but he hath displeased me to enterprize so long a journey before he came to me if he be so much mine as he boasteth Of one thing I will assure you that I will never pardon him untill he comes to me in person to aske pardon and then it may be he may be refused Madam said Alquefa you shall see him here in short time as he hath promised me for he desires your presence and favor more then any thing in this world Then addressing her selfe to the Empresse and the Princesse Onolorea she delivered the message of Perion You may easily imagine whether Florestan and his Companions were not well pleased to heare so good news of him whom they sought for but this was nothing in respect of Grioilereas joy who ceased not to entertaine Alquefa all that day in such manner that she had an opportunitie to deliver the Letter to her which the Knight of the Sphere had sent the tenor whereof followeth I Know not Madam how I can recompense the great good which you granted me that day that you accepted me for yours seeing that the best Knight in the world ought to esteeme himselfe worthie to serve so great a Ladie and Princesse And I then poore dumb Creature without having as then done any knightly act having attained to such honor it is a marvell if my heart hath desired to enterprize a thing by which with reason it hath hopes to remaine in so high a place separating from it all feare and perill of death by the continual remembrance that it hath of your good favor which hath in such manner capâ—â—vated my liberty that my eyes are chained to your happy presence from that very day wherein they saw the splendor of your divine face But this prison is mingled with great Liberty that it causeth me to live for the desire which I have alwayes to obey and serve you being assured that otherwise my soule being afflicted with your absence could not remaine one houre in this passionate body Therefore Madam I humbly beg of you to command me that which your pleasure is with me and having pitie on your poore slave send him your pleasure by this faithful Damsel From him who kisseth the hands of your greatness in all humilitie Gricilerea
then having read this Letter was so surprized that she changed colour three or four times not for displeasure which she had but to the contrary with the force of love which encompassed her courage so much that Alquefa perceived her ready to sound wherefore she embraced her demanding of her what feeblenesse had overtaken her Ahah My great friend said she when shall I see him who endures so much for me and whom you have chosen amongst the best Knights of the World Madam said Alquefa my Father who hath promised you wil find the meanes to send him to you when it shall be time in the mean time content your selfe as well as you can and let him heare from you as often as he can And then at that time a Damsell came to tell them that the Empresse asked for them wherefore altering their discourse they returned into the Hall where all this great company was at that time assembled And in that very hour the Emperour was advertized by a Venetian Brigantine that the Army of Pagans was on the Coast of Natolia with more then tenne thousand Vessels going to the straits of Propontide for which cause following his purpose he commanded to raise men from all parts for he would in person goe to aid Christendome CHAP. XV. How the Emperour of Trebisond embarqued to goe against the King Armato and the sayling of the Pagans to Constantinople THe Emperours Army being ready to embarque and all his Vessels being furnished for Warre and well fraught he established for his Lieutenant Generall Pardarea Duke of Antelea who he commanded before he embarqued to make a generall Muster of his Souldiers And sinding them to be the number of sixty thousand Horsemen and fifty thousand resolute Souldiers wherefore the Emperour was so glad that at that very houre he crowned Pardâ—rea King of Breigne who was his Brother-in-Law to the great content of all the Company And the next day according to the advice of the Masters and Captaines every one entred into his Ship for the wind was faire to set saile and the Emperour himselfe have left the Duke Delafonta with the Empresse for Governour of his Country commended her to the keeping of our Lord and caused to weigh anchors Then he who had seene at their departure from the Port this great equipage surely he would easily thinke the greatnesse of this Lord and Prince for the Sea was in a manner covered with Vessels being hung with Flagges Banners and Streamers with so many Trumpets Fifes and Drums that it was a thing almost incredible So then Alquefa would make no longer abode in Trebisond seeing the departure of the Emperour but so soon as he had left the Port she went to the Empresse of whom she tooke leave and likewise Gricilerea assuring her that so soone as she had made one voyage to her Father she would goe in search of the Knight of the Sphere For which cause the Princesse delivered her a Letter to present on her part praying her with great affection to perswade him to come to her as soone as he could possibly which she promised to her And re-entring into her Vessell she set saile So let us leave her on the Sea and let us return to the Messengers who went to advertize the Christian Princes of the seige of Constantinople who had so faire wind that they gave Order â—o what they had enterprized And the Emperours of Rome King of Naples and the rest were ready to dislodge at the time that they had knowledge that the Army of Armato might goe into Thrace For this cause entering into their Vessels according to the Region and Climate from when they dispatched traversing so many Seas that at last not without great travell they met in the Defended Mountaine where they waited for the Earle of Frandalo and Morandell with their equipage At this very time the King Armato accompanied with Almirin brother to the Souldan of Liquie the King of Jerusalem and Soldans of Persia of Alapa of Babilon the Califs of Egypt Taborlanes and many other great Lords of the East parted from Tenedos with so great a number of Ships Brigantines Galeaces Gallies and Foists that the Sea seemed to be covered But they found not the Emperour so unaccompanied but he had thirty thousand Horsemen and fifty thousand bearing Armes Neverthelesse he seeing so great a number of his Enemies to approach so near to the great City and not having had any news of them from whom he expected aid he was somewhat grieved which he hid and the better to assure his men he was of advice that they should as much as they could possible hinder the King Armatoes Army from Landing giving them continuall Alarumes to vex and trouble them For which purpose were appointed the Knight of the Sphere Languines Abies of Ireland Argamont and his Sonne with ten thousand Horsemen and two thousand chosen Souldiers Who having had notice of the place where the King Armato would take Land they issued out in good equipage and the same day they discovered the Vanguard of the Pagans with the King of Jerusalem accompanied with three Giants ' Brothers to him whom the Knight of the Sphere had killed at the Fountaine where he had delivered Alquif the Damsells Father So the Christians remained close and in ambush to see the countenance of the ochers but they made there no long stay before they saw the Pagans Vessels by little and little to approach the Land and lastly to throw Planks and descend into Cock-boats Skiffes and other little Boats wherby they might Land their men I doe believe that those who were the most diligent were not the bestused for Perion and his company ranne upon them and defeited a great many before they could be succoured and untill their battail and Rear-guard could joyne together and with full saile gained the shore in such manner that Perion and his company were forced to retreat and close themselves untill the three Giants with a great band of Palestines rushed on them with so much boldness that he who had seen them would have judged no otherwise but that they had a desire to performe their utmost Nevertheless they found much to doe when they came to Land by reason that Perion and Argamont with their squadron held together and at that time there was so great a Conflict that many on both sides lost their lives there And by reason that the Pagans gained I and and forced therâ—â—â—â—llously Argamenâ— went to the Knight of the Sphere sâ—â—wing him the eminent peril and danger they should fall into 〈◊〉 it were not provided for Wherefore he as a wise and advised Captaine began from henceforwards to retire nevertheless they sustained the heat of the skirmish which the Califfe of Egypt understanding re-advanced and entering further in the press then he should he was met by Perion who gave him such a blow on the head that he separated his head in twaine For which one of the
other discourse onely a little before they went to bed Amadis happened to speak of the Prowesse of the two Knights who said he have done so well these few dayes pâ—â—â— that if they continue to morrow I shall accoâ—â—◠〈◊〉 for the best runners at the Lance that ever I saw and I will know if it be possible wherefore they hold themselves thus But the Solitary and the Alman purposed otherwise for they intended so soone as they had finished this enterprize to depart from this Country CHAP. XLVIII How the two Defendants had the honor of the eigth and last day and of the arivall of the green Knight who disarmed them and Amadis himselfe YOu have heard how the two Knights behaved themselves the seven dayes now you are to hear what they did on the eigth The Masse being celebrated betimes in the morning they all made hast to the Scaffolds to behold the joust where the two Knights unhorsed many Knights who came in abundance to the feast that was to be holden at Pentecost A little before evening there issued out of the Forest a Knight in green Armor who by his armes was known not to have been idle for they were so battered and broken that he scarce had any thing wherewithall to defend himselfe he having made a great reverence to the King and Ladies touched the sheild and presently the Alman ran against him and at the first course their Lances flew into shivers but at the second encounter the Alman was thrown from his horse and the Green Knight remained unmoved in his saddle at which adventure all the assembly greatly wondred and Amadis suspected that it was Esplandian yet he held not this opion long but armed himselfe so fast as he could for his minde gave him that he should be forced to incounter with the green Knight The Alman being dismounted the Solitary prepared for the encounter but he at the first course was unhorsed the green Knight onely loseing one of his stirrops Then Amadis being armed and coming unto the Lists the green Knight received him bravely so that at their first encounter the King was forced to leave his horses back Then the Solitary seeing this earnestly-desired the green Knight to come to the Combate with the Sword which he at last did and alighting from his horse and being coverd with his sheild and so they assailed one another but the green Knight at the first blow that he gave the Solitary cleaved his sheild in twaine at which he being inraged gave the green Knight so great a blow on the Helmet that there was heard a great thunderclap and so great a darkness that the two Knights could not be seen but Amadis and the green Knight remained on horseback and the green Knight was soone known to be the Sage Alquif which being known the laughter was great and Amadis kindely welcomed him and above all things desired him to discover who the other two Knights were which he would not doe by no meanes excusing himselfe to the King for that particular They had in this time of the joust disarmed three hundred twentie assailants amongst the rest there was Don Galaor King of Sobradise Olorius Prince of Spaine Pinerpie of Naples Perion Prince Sâ—brâ—d se Prince Elinie Suyssies of Ireland Son to King Cildad in Mancly the Sage and his brother Ambor of Gandell Don Quedragant of Ireland Angriole D'Esirevaux Garuate of the Dreadfull dale the Earle Gadalin Lieoran of the white Tower Listotan of the Silver bridge the King Dragonis Balonir his brother Branfill Pomplante Tantiles the Haughty Carinee of Carsante Atalie of Olivas Branele son of Brandaguas Garamonte son to the King of Norwales Vfeny of Almanie Brandanie of Gaule Talamane his brother Teluis the Fleming Amadarie of Bretaigne Silvestrie of Hongarie Mancly of Suesse Galphorie of Rome Galaor of Scotland Amandalie his brother Galfegne the proud Marcine son to Garuate of the Dreadfull dale Siontes Nephew to King Lisvart Silercie son to Don Grumedan Pintinel of Carsante son to Balays Yrguian son to Earle Gandalin Pilerte of the Vermelin Tower son to Bravor and a Spanish Knight named Soâ—tans And by reason that these were better known then the others therefore I thought good to name them according to the names that Brisenna sent to the two Knights by her messenger who likewise entreated them to be in the Kings lodging that evening because she would speak with them to which they accorded CHAP. XLIX How by the meanes of Urganda the two Knights were known and of the marriages of Perion son to Galaor with Queen Pintiquinestra and the Sage Alquis with Urganda the Vnknown THe Jousts being ended for this day the King and his traine went to the great Hall of the Palace to supper where they found every thing ready then Amadis sitting at the table with Alquif and Vrganda desired her to give them some pleasure by her skill which she promised to doe Soon after the Alman and the Solitary entred the Hall who being armed as they were accustomed went to salute the Company but there appeared over their heads two hands which had maces and went to assaile the two Knights at the first blow that was given all the Candles and Torches went out and all the place remained in obscurity but by chance the false scabbord that was on the sword of the Solitary fell off and thereby by vertue of the stones there was so bright a light that Lisvart and Perion were both known who were then without Helmets on their heads at which adventure every one was execeding joyfull especially Pinerpie who untill then had been jealous of Lisvart and Lisvart excused himselfe unto Amadis and the rest for his so long time going undiscovered and Vrganda desired pardon for her offence this adventure caused much joy unto all the Court and the Ladies and the Queen Oriana and all the rest came to embrace them The next day the Queen Pintiquinestra declared unto Amadis in the presence of all the Court the cause of her coming thither which is said she to Amadis to put you in minde of your promise made to me at Constantinople to bestow a husband on me and one that is of your own Lineage Pintiquinestra having finished her speech Amadis who had hearkned to her discourse made answer that her request was reasonable and therefore he would indeavor to doe that which should be to her liking and having often perceived the affection which Perion son to Galaor had borne unto the Queen he thereupon asked of him his consent which he very willingly agreed to and so concluded a marriage between Perion and Pintiquinestra and caused them presently to salute on another in signe of marriage leaving the perfecting thereof untill the next morning when the Arch-Bishop celebrated Mass All the Company was very joyfull of this alliance especially the King of Sobrodise who seeing the Sage Alquif and Vrganda coming together with great affection he purposed to conclude a marriage
of Breigne and the Duke of Ortilensa to meet them who met them and conducted them to the Court of the Emperor who welcomed them as also Lisvart himselfe did which the King of the Savage Island perceiving and knowing Lisvart by conjecture wondered hereat and seeing him so young of so faire a Countenance he told him that if his three Companions were such as himselfe he advised them to bring a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat if they should chance to be hot in their harnesses Those who are my Companions answered Lisvart have sometimes abased the pride of as loftie as you are and behold them both said he prostrating to them What said Bostrosse the third brother of the King have we crossed the Seas thus for to fight with women as for my part I will have no other weapons but a distaffe to chastise mine Then said Lisvart you call us women because our faces are fairer and we are more affable then you are but you shall finde our hearts high and our armes strong enough to make you change this opinion And because the King hath threatned me this Knight shewing him Perion shall combate with Grafante and for you Seigniour Bostrosse Olorius who is not to be handled with distaffes as you boast but in recompence of the Counsell which you give us to bring handkerchiefs with us I advise you to leave nothing behinde you for all your forces your bravadoes glorious and threatning menaces will not be sufficient to save your life The Emperor knew very well that choller began to reign in them wherefore he prayed them to leave these speeches to the event of the Combate During these speeches Onolorea and Gricilerea were retired into their Chambers weeping and lamenting for the eminent perill that was prepared for Perion and Lisvart for they had seen the King of the Savage Island and his brothers who in their opinion seemed rather to be Devills then men But Alquefa comforted them very well by telling them how many and dangerous Combats they had had and had alwayes been victorious The Emperor the more to honor the Combatants caused a new field to be railed in it being a place where they might be seen by much people The King of the Savage Island sent to the Emperor to intreat him to suffer Radiare Souldan of Liquea to be one of the Judges which he accorded to and he likewise ordered Dardarie King of Breigne to be the other This being done the three Christian Knights retired into the Chappell where they watched and prayed making themselves ready for death if it should please the Lord to send it them CHAP. LIX How Lisvart Perion and Olorius entred the field and of the Combate which they had against Sulpicie King of the Savage Island Garfante and Bostrose THe night being passed by break of day the six Combatants prepared themselves to enter the field and the three Christian Knights entred the field in this manner The Emperor carried the Helmet of Prince Lisvart and the King of Breigne his strong and tough Lance the Duke Ortilensa carried Perions Helmet and the Prince of Alasome his Speare The Earl of Alastre carried the Helmet of Olorius and Alarin his Lance. And in this Equipage they entred in at one of the gates of the field and the King of the Savage Island with his brothers at the other Who were armed with black Armes and their Helmets on their heads and their Lances in their hands At a Scaffold adjoyning there was the Emperor and the Empresse accompanied with Onolorea Gricilenea Griliana and Tiriana with many other Ladies and Damsells Then Radiare and Dardarie Judges of the field placed the Combatants one against the other and the Trumpets sounded the Herald proclaiming three times that the Combatants should doe their devoir Nevertheless it was first agreed on between them according to the advice of the Souldan of Liquie that they should run one after another to the end that it might the easier be known who did best and those said he who remaine on horseback shall afterwards alight that they may pursue their enterprise with their swords Thus they all ran against one another in such manner that they were all dismounted except Lisvart and Bostrose who were much shaken with the force of the thrust but they alighted according to the agreement and there began a most cruell Combate between these six in such manner that Lisvart was at the last in danger of his life as you shall hear Sulpicie who was his adversarie thinking to dispatch himselfe of his enemie gave Lisvart so great a blow with his sword on his Helmet of Adamant that the sword brake in three peeces and none but the handle remained in the hand of Sulpicie hereupon Lisvart found himselfe so charged with the blow that without the aid of his knee he should have been forced to kisse the ground Nevertheless he arose up with great nimbleness and ran against the King who was without weapons saying to him so loud that every one heard King know now the difference between ill speaking and well doing yeild thy selfe or thou shalt die without remedie What joy now had Onolorea which lasted but a little while for as Lisvart thought to cleave Sulpice in twaine the sword turned in his hand so unhappily that it flew out and the King soon got the possession thereof against the will of him who had threatned him Then Sulpicie said to him Lisvart Lisvart now I will revenge the death of my Unckles and carry thy head to the Rock Onolorea more dead then alive thought that she should have fallen from the Scaffold but her sister comforted her as well as she could Lisvart then seeing himselfe in this condition losed never a jot of his vertue but being somewhat desperate ran upon his enemy and put by the sword with his left hand and took hold of his choller with his right hand and then quickly repossessed himselfe of his sword And said to the King Vanquished King thy head shall goe to the Castle of the Rock instead of mine and having said so he assaulted him so fiercely that he quickly cured him of all diseases and Olorius handled his enemy so well that in short time he likewise vanquished him Grafante who was assailed by Perion seeing his two brothers slaine became faint hearted in such manner that he did nothing but recoyle and in recoyling he fell down backwards but in falling Perion cut his throat to the great contentment of Gricilerea and of all the Company Then the Trumpets and Fifes began to sound and the Judges came into the field to bring Irish horses to the Vanquishers whom they conducted in triumph to their Lodgings where Master Elizabeth took them into custody assuring the Emperor after he had visited their wounds that they should soon be healed In the meane time the servants of the King Sulpicie tooke the dead bodies and with great ceremonie and lamentations embalmed them and then
fame And Perion's who by none surpassed were In Prowesse Wisdome Vertue and in name And oft was known by the name of th'Knight of th' Sphere Here you may read of Ladies of great beautie Who courted were by many valiant Knights And you may read of some who did their duty In many warlike deeds and cruell fights Great prayses you deserve for your Translation And bringing of such famous deeds to light It having done so much good to our Nation Which now accustom'd is so oft to fight Your Loving Brother Robert Kirkman To my loving friend Francis Kirkman The good Success And usefulness Of Translations In all Nations BEspeak esteeme of this book made compleat Not Cobler like but like Translator neat Heroick hearts come read in polisht words Puissant actions of old Warlike Swords And learn for ever how to make your names Glitter as Star-light or Sol's brighter flames Come Cupid-smitten Carbonado'd hearts And fresh your selves with amorous pleasant parts The work was great delight to th' Authors minde As great delight the Readers all may finde The words are well exchang'd not put to rout Nor shall you finde at all their braines dasht out From all true Lovers of desert and Learning Acceptance of the work 's the workman's earning Then set aside all doubting and disdaine And buy out right this blossome brave amaine Proceed young Kirkman thus improve thy Reason And publish rare Antiquities in season And so become an happie Constellation To poure a strong influence on our Nation Chi parla semina The speaker sowes Chi tace raceoglia The hearer reaps La volunta supplice a la faculta The good will doth supply want of Ability Yours Thomas Heath THE SIXTH BOOKE OF Amadis de Gaule ' Which largely treateth of the great Deeds of Armes and strange Adventures as well of PERION his Son as of LISVART of Greece son to Esplandian Emperor of CONSTANTINOPLE CHAP. I. How PERION of Gaule second son of Amadis departed from London with seven other young Princes hoping to goe into Ireland to receive the order of Knighthood at the hands of the old King Cildadan and of that which happened to them THE newes of these Princes and Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen enchanted in the firme Island as you have heard was soon known by little PERION of Gaule son of Amadis who had been left by his father in Great Britaine under the Government of good old Arban King of Norwales This young Prince being then about the age of twelve or thirteen years had a resolution in himselfe to receive the Order of Knighthood at the hands of his brother the Emperor Esplandian and of none other but seeing himself frustrated of his purpose he lingred until the fourth yeare following when two of the sons of Don Florestan King of Sardinia came to visit him at London The one whereof was called Florestan as his father the other Parmenir in whose company were also Vaillides son to Don Bruneo King of Aravigne Languines and Galuanes children of Agries King of Scotland Abies of Ireland son to King Cildadan and Quedragant Lord of Sansuegue who were departed from their severall Countries hoping to be made Knights by the same hand of whom Perion should obteine this honour The young Prince received him as welcome as the neernesse of their kindred rendred him affectionate towards them especially having heard occasion of their long voyage To satisfie which desire they resolved to take their journey to Ireland towards King Cildadan there being at that time no Prince more worthy to supply the place of the Emperor Esplandian in his absence Perion having a desire so soone as he should have the meanes to bear Armes and follow strange adventures and imitate his father in Prowesse and Chivalrie wherefore desiring to have Yrguian the son of Gandalin for his Squire he dispatched a Gentleman of his towards Gandales who at that time lived in the Castles of Archelaus which Amadis had given him earnestly intreating him to fend Yrguian to him wherewith Gandales was content He therefore being arived and these young Princes having provided all things necessarie for their journey taking their leave of King Arban they went straite to the Port of Fenuse where they imbarqued And as they were on the Sea they discovered a Barque with foure oares green as emeraulds wherewith foure Apes did row and there was with them a very faire Damsel costly adorned These Barques followed one another so closely that they were joined and landed together And as Perion and those of his Company were ready to mount on horse-back the strange Damsel approached neer to them carrying on her neck a sword excellently garnished and in her hand a black sheild in the middle whereof was painted a golden Sphere Shee addressed her selfe to Perion and kneeling on the ground spake thus Gentle sir God forbid that I should ever part from your feet until you have granted me the Boon which I shall aske you Perion whom shee much pleased readily answered Aske it then and you shall not be refused Truly said she I hoped for no lesse Shee rising from the ground took him apart and they talked so long in walking together that they came neer to the barque where the Apes were into which the Damsel prayed him to enter alone Then Perion knew very well that by too rashly promising he had lost his company And although he was as much troubled at it as at any thing that could happen to him whatsoever even seeing himselfe frustrated of his purpose and hindered from his voyage into Ireland neverthelesse knowing that his honour would be questioned if he did not accomplish that in which he had voluntarily obliged himselfe he passed on and called his Companions to whom he declared that which the Damsel had requested him and the cause wherefore he followed her wherefore he intreated them earnestly to excuse him You may easily judge whether they were well pleased But seeing that they could not remedie it they recommended him to the keeping of our Lord assuring him that so soon as they had received Knighthood they would put themselves in search of him wheresoever he should be They had hardly spoken these words when the Apes began to row and the winde sate so faire that in a small time they were far from Land and they lost the sight of him So let us leave him to the Seas at the pleasure of fortune and returne to the others being resolved to persue their enterprize And therefore they went to the Court of old Cildadan who knowing of their arrival honorably received them and after they had sojourned a smal time in his Countrie he gave them the order Then they tooke leave of him and entring into their ship they set saile to Constantinople where they sound Lisvart son to Esplandian who was then esteemed the most faire and accomplished Gentleman in the world The old Emperor who by reason of the absence of his Children had left his solitary life
taken upon him the Government of Thrace knowing that they were arrived at the Port went downe and welcomed them add from thence conducted them into his Pallace where he and young Lisvart feasted them for the space of twelve dayes who having understood the losse of his Uncle Perion and the enterprise of these new Knights which was to go seek him where ever he was he resolved to keepe them company And for that purpose the thirteenth day afterwards as the Emperour arose from Table he came and cast himselfe upon his knees before him humbly entreating him to grant him one boon The good man having the teares in his eyes tooke him up and granted him whatsoever he would Sir said he I have understood by these Knights that my Uncle Perion of Gaule hath been lead by a strange Damsell and no man knows whither May it therefore please you not to be displeased if I goe my selfe to seeke him for I never had a desire to receive Knight-hood of any other then of him being sure that of a better I cannot attain to such honour seeing that he is the Son of King Amadis Father to my Father who hath surpassed all others in great prowesse and wisdome My Son answered the Emperour this parting will be very grieveous to me for your presence gave my old yeares some comfort in the absence and losse of your Parents Neverthelesse seeing that I have agreed to your demands I am willing that your will be accomplished At this time Lisvart might be about the age of seventeen yeares he was so great and well formed that one would have esteemed him more then twenty He therefore having the Reynes on his owne neck to doe what seemed him good he endeavoured in all diligence to provide and furnish three great ships into the one of which he entred accompanied with Florestan Parmenir his Brother and Galuanes brother of Languines in the other Vaillades and Quedragant and in the third Languines with Abies Then having taken leave of the Emperour they commanded to weigh anchors and hoise the sailes and sayling in the maine Sea in an hours space they lost the sight of the great City So we will returne to Perion and the fortunes which he had we will leave the others alone untill we shall have more leasure CHAP. II. How the Damsell Conducted Perion of Gaule to a place where he received the Order of Knight-hood and of that which hapned to him ONe week and more sailed Perion in the barque of the Apes with the strange Damsell and the seventh day following they drew neare to the shore of the fairest Country that could be possible There they tooke Port and soon after the Damsell named Alquefa took out of her Coffers a black Harnesse embelish't with the like Spheres as those of the Sheild which she carried then she said to Perion Gentle sir It is meet before we passe further that you arme your self with these Armes for behold the place where you must begin the accomplishment of the promise which you have made me And what wil a shield armes profit me said Perion I not being a Knight You shal be made a Knight quoth she when God the time shal permit wherefore do not delay Which he agreed to in such sort â—hat he put on the Coat of Maile and the rest of the Harness except the Helmet which she took between her armes and issuing out of the barque they began to goe up into the Island so long that they came into a great plain where Perion asked her in what place they were but she answered him no otherwise but that he should know hereafter And so discoursing they saw a great City the circuit whereof seemed in appearance to containe more then three miles and the nearer they came to it the more lofty the place seemed to Perion were it in highness of Walls strength of Towers or great Bulwarks And hee would very willingly have pressed his guide to tell him the name of the place but her former answer contradicted his desire to enquire further in such sort that he held his peace until they entred into it Then he very well knew that the excellency of it without was nothing comparable to that which he saw within as well in faire Houses as golden Pallaces as well of people as of magnificent Temples Collosso's and things of antiquity that he knew not what to thinke Which the Damsell knowing she said to him Now it is good for your profit and honour that you speake not one word to any man who shall talke to you before that I command you otherwise evill may happen to you Damsell answered Perion I will hold my peace then seeing that it is your pleasure And so discoursing they came to the entrance of a Pallace being the Principall of them all as it might easily be perceived before which many Knights and other persons walked who seeing Perion and the strange Damsell goe up the steps followed them to see what adventure it might be And entring into a very great Hall hung with Tappestry Perion perceived under a Canopie of cloth of Gold an honourable old man having on his head an Emperours Crowne and near him many Kings Dukes Earls and Barons who all did greatly honour and reverence him and towards whom Alquefa holding Perion by the hand approached and kneeling on the ground said to him Most high excellent and redoubted Emperour my Father your humble servant kisseth the hands of your Majestie and humbly entreateth you that without delay you bestow Knight-hood on this Gentleman for he shall as well imploy it as any other living The Emperour presently knew the Damsell as her whom he had many times scene with her Father Alquif the Negromancer wherefore he kindly received her and casting his eyes on Perion he seemed so fair and of so goodly a stature that he was moved to speake these words Truly it is easie to believe that of so excellent a person should issue no other then faire and Knightly deeds wherefore Damsell I will satisfie your Fathers will seeing that he prayes me And so addressing himself to Perion he asked him from whence he came but he answed never a word according to the promise which he made to Alquefa who spake for him saying to the Emperour Sir I intreat you to pardon him for without falsifying his faith he cannot at present discourse with you or any other of this Court Well answered he he shall another time in the meane time lead him to the Ladyes to th' end that they may see him and to morrow after the watch I will give him the Order Alquefa arose and was led with Perion into the Chamber of the Empresse whom she saluted as she knew well how to doe then she said to her Madam my Father hath sent you this Gentleman whom he prayes you to receive as him who deserves being issued of a Linage very well knowne amongst the best Knights in the world Then
voice And well Sir Knight had not your fellow gained more by rendring himselfe my Prisoner then to get that which he hath attained to as you may see If my companion saith he hath been hardly handled by you you shall presently see that I know how to revenge him and my selfe also Saying so he came near to Argamont and gave him a blow on his eare And th' other thinking to revenge himselfe he stroke his Mace with so great strength against Quedragant that if he had hit him he had killed him without doubt so he shunned the blow and advanced forwards meeting with the eare of Argamonts Horse and stunned him and in falling he fell on the knee of the Giant at which he received so great pain that from thence forwards he was forced to fight upon one legge At that inâ—â—nt Vaillides came to himselfe at which Quedragant was greatly pleased for he thought he had been killed but seeing him whole he was in great hopes to vanquish his Enemy and therefore they both ranne on him His Mace was fallen out of his hand wherefore he tooke a great Cimiter which he had about him in his hand and with a sterne countenance he endeavoured to defend himselfe nevertheless Vaillides came upon him and with one blow struck his Helmet into his head at which the Giant was more astonished then before for the blood began to ranne downe his eyes And as one ill turne seldom comes alone as he was about to revenge himself and strike him who had hurt him he advanced his Cymmiter which by good fortune fell upon a stone wherewith Vaillides had made him a shield and with the great force of the blow broke it in pieces there remaining in his hand no more buâ— the handle Then the two Knights were assured of the Victory wherefore they encompassed him on every sâ—â—e so nearly pressing on him that they put him out of breath and seizing on his neck they took the Helmet from his head Now you are a dead man quoth Vaillides if you do not acknowledge your selfe vanquished and obey our commands I am quoth he dead if it so please you not vanquished for he alone is vanquished who through faint-heartedness ceaseth to doe his endeavour and you know that I have not spared my self so long as fortune gave me the power But as for the accomplishing of your pleasures in that I will willingly obey you on condition that my honour be not interested otherwise I had rather loose my life Truly said they you speake even as you ought we will save your life and will command you nothing but what shall redownd to your honour and reputation If it be so quoth the Giant I will obey you Then said the Knights this is that which you must doe that forgetting your Idollatrous faith you from henceforth believe in Jesus Christ true God and Man who for you and for us all received death and passion and rose againe from the dead the third day after And in this faith you shall make your Sonne Ardadill to believe then you shall go together to the Emperour of Constantinople and as from us you shall faithfully declare to him the manner of our Combate and from henceforth you shall be his and our perpetuall friends and servants Sirs answered he I doe promise and sweare it to you for long since I have beene of this minde Upon this assurance Vaillides and Quedragant tooke him by the armes and as they led him to his Castle they met Almatrafa his Wife who having seen him fall came to entreat the Knights to have mercy on him but seeing that they were made friends she asked him if he were mortally wounded No answered he thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ in whom I now doe and will alwaies believe and so shall all those that wish me well O Jupiter cryed the Giantesse what doe I heare will you loose your selfe and yours so foolishly Wife said the Giant you your selfe shall be the first that shall obey me and after you all others of this Island as well as you shall believe in that God which I now adore And for what occasion said Almatrafa By reason saith he that the Combate which I have had against these two Knights hath given me experience that their God is the true God and ours are false and lyers and therefore be satisfied without any further enquiry So they came to the Castle and from thence he was led into his Chamber and put between two Clothes where Almatrafa who was skilfull in the Art of Chyrurgery looked to his wounds and he was so carefully provided for that she assured him of his sudda in health wherefore he earnestly entreated the two Knights not as yet to leave him but to stay with him for a certaine time during which time said he I will honour you as you deserve which liked Vaillides and his Companion very well that they might refresh themselves of the travell which they had undergone by reason of their so long tempest for which caus they sent for their Mariners who hearing good news of the Victory which they had obtained of Argamoâ—â— they praised God with all their hearts neverthelesse wondring at the prowesse of Quedragant and Vaillides who whilst their ship was in repairing remembred to aske of their Host where his Sonne Ardadile Canile was Sirs answered he the great Souldan of Lygnea not long since sent a Gentleman in all hast to me with expresse Letters by which he entreated me to give him my Sonne to make him Lieutenant Generall of a great Army which he newly mustred with the Souldans of Persia of Alapa of Babylon and many others hoping to ruine the Emperour and Empire of Constantinoplo forasmuch as they knew for certaine that Amadis de Goule one of the best Knights in the World is inchanted together with Esplandian his Sonne and â—great many of the principall Knights of Christendome by whom Thrace was helped in the last expedition And now this Amadis and his friends are so sure as it is believed it is sure that the Empire may casily be subdued and the Emperour taken Captive which is the cause why all Pagan Kings doe muster so great force hoping in short time to meet together at the Port of Tenedos in Phrigia where I thinke my Son Canile is already arived with those of Asia the lesse and somâ— other of the nearest Borderers for it is impossible he should have any more as yet in regard of the far Countries from whence they are to come that they may meet together as they think sooner then the latter end of August It was as yet but the beginning of March wherefore Quedragant and Vaillides hearing this newes resolved that if they did not finde their Companions before July to goe directly to Constantinople to aid the Emperor But least we should too long forget him whom they were in search of we will leave them with the Giant whom they baptized and all his Family
nothing but a faire winde to saile into Italie There the Knights enquired of the custome of the Countrie and what newes there was Sirs answered the Merchants a few dayes since we saw the strangest adventure that could be imagined And what was it said Lisvart I pray let us intreat you out of courtesie to let us understand what it was Know then said one of them that the Emperor being in his Palace in the Companie of the Empresse and their two daughters there entred a Damsel richly clad carrying on her neck a Sheild and Sword richly garnished and this woman did lead by the hand one of the fairest young Gentlemen that ever I beheld being armed at all poin a with a black harness except his head which was naked Then he recounted every thing that happened to Perion of Gaule and Aâ—quefa and by that meanes Lisvart and his Companions did easily know that the Merchants did speak of him for whom they had taken so great paines to finde nevertheless marveling what adventure should bring him thither And for this cause they thought good to Land and goe to the Emperour of whom they might have more certaine tydings So they furnished themselves so well as they could especially Lisvart who was one of the fairest Creatures that could be and mounting on Horse back they went into the Towne and came to the Palace where they did alight and passing further they came into a great Hall where the Emperour was in company of many Knights and wise men At their arivall every one did reverence them and gave way to them to approach neare his Majestie Lisvart who marched before them all spake thus to him Sir your high renowne and great bounty knowne throughout the whole world hath moved my Companions and me to come into this your Court not onely to doe you reverence as your Majesties greatnesse doth deserve but also in hoping to have good newes of a young Gentleman who as it hath beene told us you have made Knight not long since at the request of a Damsell who lately brought him hither to you And Sir for asmuch as I never had intention to receive Knight-hood at the hands of any other then his and that my age summoneth me to take more upon me then I have heretofore done I humbly intreat you to tell us what you know to th' end that having found him I may have that which I hope for and desire above all things The Emperour being a gracious and affable Prince answered Lisvart that hee and all his Company were very welcome And as for the young Knight said he which you seek assure your selves my friends that at present I know no news of him at which I am grieved for I love and esteeme him as much as any other that I know because of the great beginning of Knight-hood which I saw in him and assure your selves that I am altogether ignorant of the rest of his Estate for he left this Court after so strange a manner that when I thinke thereof I believe to have dreamed Sir answered Lisvart I will certifie unto you that he is sonne to the hardy Knight Amadis de Gaule King of great Brittain tain and the faire Oriana Aha said the Emperour you tell me wonders that he to whom I have given Knighthood should be the Sonne of the most renowned Prince in the World By my faith I never had more desire to recover any man then I have to get him wherefore if I can once more get him he shal give me satisfaction for the little courtesie he hath shown me in so hiding himselfe And looking upon Lisvart very earnestly I believe said he that you are of his kindred for you are very like him Sir answered Lisvart until it shall please God to make me such a one that I may by my deeds dare to name my Parents I have no intention to be known further Wherefore the Emperour enquired no further but called Dukedelafonte and commanded him to lead him and the other strange Knights to the Empresse and say to his Daughter Gricilerea that she should doe them all the honour she could especially to Lisvart for they came in search of her Knight The Duke obeying to his commands tooke Lisvart by the hand who being come before the Empresse kissed her hands and she embraced him telling that he and his companions were welcome And Lisvart seeing the Infantaes Onolerea and Gricilerea made great reverence to them and the Duke Delafonte told them what the Emperour said In good faith answered Gricilerea he hath good reason to command me to honour this Gentleman for besides his being one of the fairest that ever I saw I thinke him to become of high Linage at the least I doe not remember that ever I have known a person more resembling my Knight then he which causeth me with a better will to obey his commands And therefore faire Sir said she to Lisvart I would entreate you to let me truly know who he is that you seeke and would by no meanes speak to us During these speeches Love who is not a respecter of persons wounded the hearts of Lisvart and Onolerea with one and the same shaft to whom the eye being messenger of the heart would give preâ—ent remedy Contenting both their minds by a regard which promised them cure and contentment The which Perion endeavoured to dissemble answering to Gricilerea Madam the Knight whom you have a desire to know is Sonne of King Anadis de Gaâ—'e and his name is Perion To tell you further would be time lost for the prowesse of his Father who hath so many times encompassed the world causeth his Sonne to be praised with the beginning which he hath made at armes Faire Sir said Onolerea hath no other occasion brought you into this Court but onely to find him No Madam untill this present said he but I well see that for the future there will be more causes if I knew that thereby I should doe you any earthly service Onolerea did most affectionately thanke him the better to disguise what she thought she said to him Truly you were well counselled to come hither if so be you desire ready newes for the Damsell that brought him hither is very familiar at this place and she will not tarry long before she returne to us and then you may know of her what is become of him And Onolerea spake this whereby to hinder Lisvart and stay him with her There was at that time near her Griliana Daughter to the Duke of Ortilensâ— who had stedfastly regarded the countenances of the two new Lovers whereby she soon suspected of what had happened to him and thinking to do them pleasure she said to Onolerea Madam may it please you to th' end that you may avoid some envie which may beare to my Lady your Sister by reason of her knew Knight to receive this Gentleman for yours who as I understand is about to follow Armes believe me I do
neer you that he alone and without delay follow me whither I shall conduct him I being certaine that he will obey you whatsoever you shall command him Onolorea knowing the fault she committed by so unadvisedly promising remained pensive and in great perplexity to forsake so soon the thing which she loved the best in the world To shun which she answered the Damsel In good faith he is so lately come to the Emperor and I have done so little for him that he hath good reason to refuse me but intreat him your selfe and it may be he will agree to your request As for me I have no power over him as to command him But Lisvart being willing to assure the contrary suddenly arose and putting his knee to the ground said to her Madam seeing that you have granted one gift to this Damsel may it therefore please you to grant me another Fair Sir said she I am very willing I intreat you then Madam said he to satisfie this which she hath requested of you and permit me that I follow her by your Command Onolorea knew well that she was beset on every side wherefore not being able to recoile she answered him Goe then and God be your guide Lisvart humbly thanked her and said to the Damsel that he was ready to mount on horseback when she pleased That shall be presently then answered she And at that time they both taking their leaves of the Court departed But they had hardly passed out of the City walls when an Esquire presented himselfe before the Emperor and said to him Sir the Duke of Dardarie hath been defeated by the King of Breigne and he is now besieged by him in the Town of Autrusque being readie to be ruined both he and his people if you do not send him aid This news did much trouble the Court and the Duke of Ortilensa was suddenly commanded to take with him ten thousand Horsemen and twenty thousand foot-men to goe presently and raise the siege for which he wisely provided And in these passages Parmenir Florestan and Galuanes Companions of Lisvart tarrying for his return determined to goe in this expedition And they intreated the Emperor to tell them the cause wherefore this war had been enterprized between him and his enemy My friends answered he he hath rebelled against me and hath usurped and taken from me by treason the Towns of Breigne and Teredie being ready to doe worse if he should be suffered Sin said Florestan to doe you service my Companions and I will goe in this service and will be imployed in whatsoever your Lieutenants shall command wherefore the Emperor thanked them Nevertheless before they departed they went to the Ladies and Florestan addressing himselfe to Onolorea who was then talking with Griliana said to her Madam in waiting for the returne of the fair young Gentleman I will goe if it may so stand with your good liking into this war as your Knight Yet under this Condition that he being returned to you you shall restore me to Madam Griliana whose I am and until then I will leave her my heart in hostage to dispose of as it shall please hee At these words they began to laugh and bee use the Emperesse came neer them Onolorea answered him no otherwise but thus that God grant they may all return in short time in good health Nevertheless Galuanes entertained Bridelena and said to her with great affection Madam command me then that as yours I may imploy my selfe in this enterprize to the end that being yours I may with the more ease vanquish your enemies In good faith answered she you shall not be refused in this demand I doe therefore pray and require you And taking a Ring from her finger she gave it him in confirmation of their alliance Truly the pleasure which they tooke in talking together had been longer But there entred a Dwarfe the most deformed that could be who without doing any reverence to the Emperor or any other presented to him a Letter sealed with sixtie seven Seales which was read before all the Company And it contained that which follows MELIA Ladie over all Magicians enemy to the Christian Faith and diligent in daily increasing the law of our Gods Know Emperor of Trebisond that Constantinonople shall in short time be besieged by sixtie seven Princes of the Pagan Law where I will be in person to take the pleasure to see it burned and the wicked man that kept it even he to whom all Christendome looked for favor as its Refuge and principal aid But it shall happen otherwise For she to whom thy Daughter hath delivered him having put him in her power shall deliver him into so sure guard that neither Amadis his Grandfather nor Esplandian his father although they were not enchanted should have the power to succour him And yet that is little in regard of what I intend to doe for by little and little I will have the rest of your other Knights to dispose of them at my pleasure forceing the rest of the Common people to turne to our Faith be it either by love or by force and doubt not of this for I will doe all without difficulty The Emperor and all the Court were very much troubled at such pitifull news knowing this Letter to be assuredly written by Melia the Enchantresse and sealed with her seale amongst others whereon was engraven a woman holding a naked sword in her hand and a Crosse at her feet And that which augmented the grief of many was the loss of Lisvart who under the shadow of equity went joyfully to his death whereunto the strange Damsel led him for which cause the Infanta Onolorea was so passionate that she being retired into her Chamber cast her selfe on her bed and began to lament with the greatest grief in the world saying with continual sighes and tears O Lord of all the world how hath it pleased you to permit that I alone should be the cause of all the ill that is to happen to Christendome Alas cruel death longed for and loved by the afflicted wherefore doe you consent that I live one whole houre knowing in me the evil that shall redound to so many perions And speaking these words Griliana came who knowing part of her affections doubted that she would fall from bad to worse for she was ready to swound at every word Wherefore taking her in her armes to comfort her she said Madam I did never yet think that you had so little constancie and I wonder that you will give so much credit to a false witch who hateth and is enemy to all vertue Doe you think that our Lord who is goodnes it selfe will consent to the ruine of so faire a young Gentleman as is yours and lesse to the destruction of the holy Faith These are meere vanities doe not beleeve them and I pray be not so sad before the time Alas said Onolorea the fear which I have makes my heart so
discourse news came by a Scout that without doubt the Pagans were already assembled in great Companies in the Isle of Tenedos and purposed to dislodge about the end of the ensuing month for which cause the Emperor called his Councell where it was concluded that Messengers should be dispatched some to Sardinia and Scicilia and in their passage they should informe the King of Naples Adarials father the good fortune of his son and others towards the Emperor of Rome the Kings of Spaine of Gaule and of great Britaine Then from thence to Quedragant and to the Kings Cildadan and of Bohemia to advertise them of the great enterprize of the King Armato and to intreat them for Gods sake to send them the greatest Companie of great Vessels that they can possible to succour Thrace which otherwise would be ruined And by reason that this voyage would be long it was thought fit that in the meane time that Frandalo should retire to the Port of the defended Mountaine and with the King Norandell who ordinarily staid there they should stop if they could possible all Merchants ships or others to the end that they might hinder their enemies from victuals if they should march forward without forcing the places And that the Emperor should remaine in the City attending the news of the other Christian Princes to whom Messengers were sent who were embarqued that very day and with pitifull Letters aswell of the Emperor as of the Knight of the Sphere Languinea Abies of Ireland and others they made such diligence that their legation had the fruit as you shall heare hereafter But first I will tell you of some and ventures that happened to Garinter and Perion sons of Galaor of whom we have not as yet spoken since they departed from Constantinople CHAP. XIII How Garinter and Perion combated against the King of Sibernea and his Nephews whom they vanquished in open field YOu have heard in the fifth booke of this present History how Garinter and Porion sons of Galaor received the order of Knighthood by the hands of Esplandian who soone after embarqued themselves and passed into the Isle of Californus where they had war a long time against some who inhabited the borders of their Country especially with the King of Sibernea whom they chased unto the principall towne of his Kingdome where they held him besieged at that time that Talanque Manely and the Queen Calafia arived at Californus returning from their voyage where they had found Perion de Gaule as you have heard So the Queen would goe no further nor goe to the Seige But Talanque and Manely without sojourning came to finde them using their utmost endeavor to goe thorough with their enterprize The pleasure which these four Knights had in meeting together was great Talanque and Manely being arived in so good time to see the Combate that was agreed of between Perion Garinter and two of their men against the King of Sibâ—rnea and three of his nephews under this condition said Garinter if the victory remaine on his part that his Country shall remaine as free unto him as it was before the war and if we are vanquishers he must leave it unto us peaceably without quarrelling at any time Now we know for certaine that he is a good Knight and his three Nephews are accounted the best of this Countrie but if you please to be on our side I hope with Gods help that our fortune will be wholly prosperous In good faith answered the others we will doe it truly and we will stay untill the day be come That will be to morrow said Talanque therefore rest your selfe for to day that you may be the fresher about your business And so at that time they would enterprize nothing but attending for the time to fight they spent the time in discoursing of the skirmishes and assaults which they had given the Town during the Seige until the next morning when a Trumpetter brought the Hostages from the King of Sibernea For which cause after the oathes and Ceremonies in such cases observed on both sides those who were appointed to fight entred into the field and the King addressed himself to Perion whom he met in such manner that without the helpe of his horse neck he had been on the ground But it happened worse to the King for Peâ—ion disarmed him and threw him down to measure his length on the grasse Garinter did as much to one of the Kings nephews and Talanque to him that he charged although that himselfe was forced to a light for his horse was so shaken at the Shocke that he stayed in halfe the way and as for Manely he leaped from the saddle and likewise he against whom he ran Nevertheless less none of them shewed themselves dismayed but aroâ—e with great celerity and laying hands on their swords there began between them a hard and cruel battel It is very true that the King of Sibernea and one of his Nephews forced Perion and Garinter otherwise they would have cut their horses bridles and their skirmish endured so long that by the space of foure houres it could not be discerned who would have the better or the worse For the King of Sibernea had given such blowes to Perion that making fire come from his eyes he was forced to set his knee twice to the ground at which he was so animated that taking his sword in both his hands he hit the King between the neck and the shoulders where he wounded him so soarely that he never after stirred but died Talanque on the other side did not sleep but fought couragiously with his enemy and he was so much favored of fortune that finding the joint of the Gantled he gave such a blow that he separated his hand from his Arme. Then through paine he gave a great crie and thinking to have recourse to a swift slight to save his life he turned his back which gained him but little for he was thrown down by his enemy and shamefully put to death Which Garinter seeing he received so much vertue that with one blow he cut the naile and armor of him who had so long resisted him and the sword entring three foot into his body he gave up the ghost And the like happened to the fourth against whom Manely had much to doe for he cut off his head most bravely Behold how it happened to the King of Sibernea and his Nephews who lying dead on the field Garinter and his Companions retired into their Tents leaving the cries and complaints to those who were thereby endamaged as well for the losse of their friends as of their towne which was rendred and put into the power of Perion according to the sworne agreements And the day after by the advice of all Garinter remained crowned King to which charge nevertheless he left Polinas for Governor that he might follow strange adventures when he pleased Wherefore so soone as he had received the homages and oathes of fidelity
from his Countrie for the safety of his person but they did him but little service as you have heard These five Devils gave never a blow but death followed at which Amadis being angred he went with Galaor Florestan Argamont and Ardadile Canile who having all recovered new Lances ran upon the Giants and broke their Lances in them without moving them in their saddles The slaughter was great on both sides for Amadis being followed by ten or twelve thousand french horse men was charged by the Souldans of Babylon and Alape who had more then thirtie thousand Turks and Tartarians And as Amadis followed on in all diligence an old man having a white beard down to his girdle staid him and said roughly to him King Amadis leave this Chase and goe aid thy Children if thou wilt not loose them seeing they are well nigh defeated He had hardly pronounced these words when he vanished wherefore Amadis being a bashed cast his eyes on all sides and saw Gandalin who carried his Ensigne so torne that the greatest part was hardly sufficient to cover his head and after him was Yrguian his son doing such deeds of Armes that he this day got as much houour as any new Knight within ten yeares time had done So Amadis drew neer to them to know newes of what he sought but Yrguian taking him and shewing him the Knight of the Sphere and Lisvart said to him Sir let us goe and aid them which you see in such dangers Follow me then answered he And spurring of his horse making his passage with his Sword he met Galaor the King Cildadan Quedragant son of Quedragant Talanque Garinter and many other Knights to whom he said in passing by Lords for Gods sake let us aid Perion and Lisvart who are beset Saying so he went forwards and for all the Pagans resistance he joyned with them neverthelesse before they arived there Lisvart and Perions horses were slaine under them and the Queens Calafea and Pintiquinestra were thrown downe and brought to great extremity Nevertheless they had found the meanes to help themselves and they foure fought on foot so valiantly that neither Turke nor Arabian dare approach neere them without the help of ten Giants who came to enclose them with whom they had so much to doe that at the time that Amadis arived they were well nigh spent who sceing his Children in such danger he was so inraged that laying aside all feare of death he entred Pell-Mell amongst their Giants so that foure of them were slaine at that houreâ— And in the conclusion he and his had the worst by reason of the arivall of the Souldan of â—ersâ—â— who was well accompanied and began to have the better had it not been for the arivall of the Kings Cildâ—dâ—n Bruneâ— Gatuâ—te Brian Mancly Lisâ—â—ran Fâ—restan Languines Abies Talanque Agries and many others who came to their aid who being arived the Pagans retreated and so the two Queens Lisvart and Perion were remounted not without great losse on both sides And these two Armies did fight so valiantly that had it not been sor the night which separated them there had not one escaped In the meane time the King of Jerusalem with his troope used all diligence to take the City and after he had prepared all things in diligence he went with fiftie thonsand chosen Souldiers to fire the Gates but bravely repulsed by a Sally which was made by Gasquilon King of Suesse Bruneo the son of Balan Angriole L' Estrevaux Sarquiles and a great number of Knights and others who behaved themselves so well that the King was taken Prisoner more then six thousand Palestines defeated ten Elephants overthrowne and seven or eight thousand Ladders broken in peeces Nevertheless a good part of the wall was at last thrown down by force of their Rams and other Engines When the Pagans ran directly to the Bulwarke and there they fought hand to hand puting those within well nigh out of breath if the Emperor had not then arvived but at his arivall he did performe such deeds of Armes that he stopped his enemies and made them somewhat retire You have now heard what was done on the Land now it remaineth to tell you what was done at Sea Norandell and the Earle Frandalo coming neere to the Kings of Bugie of Giloffe gave signe of Battell to their souldiers and they had so faire a winde that at their arivall they did much hurt to the Turks by their Lances of fire and Granadoes wherewith fiftie Vessells were spoiled presently And the Dukes of Ortilensâ— and Alastre did make it evidently appeare with what affection they served their Master And the Apes that were in the great Ship that brought Amadis and those of the Firme Island This nimble beast as is well knowne who were about two thousand in number did get a top of the Ship and did continually shoot arrowes in such great abundance that it was as thick as haile and they were so nimble that none could come at them to offend them But the conclusion of this fierce battell was thus that in lesse then an houres space there was more then five hundred Vessells of the Enemies suncke but this was not done without the losse of many good Christians During these passages the Emperour of Râ—me and the King of Sardâ—ine Don Florestan who were appointed to set upon the Enemies baggage seeing them somewhat disheartned set upon them and put them in such disorder that that was one cause why the enemies lost the battell Who finding themselves so hotly charged both before and behinde that some fled and others thought to rally againe which was impossible for the Queenes Pintiquinestra and Calafea with their women gave them so much to doe that the Emperor of Trebisâ—nd Dardarie King of Breigne and many others that followed them said that they never law better warriers And as they traversed through the Ranks they found out Amadis Esplandian Perion Lisvart and most part of the Knights of great Britaine and Gaule amongst a Squadron of Persians who were rouâ—ed and fled with their Souldans Taborlanes Califs and others both foot and horse But there was a great slaughter in such manner that the blood covered the fields just like the overflowing of a River in the time of a flood and had it not been for the obscure night there had not been one of the Enemies saved Then Amadis commanded to sound the retreat hoping the next day to pursue their good fortune Those who gave the assault to the Towne had won it had it not been that one reported to them that the battell was lost wherefore being seized with cold feare they retired in bad order Which the Emperor knowing he chased them so that he did slay ten thousand of them then being constrained to leave the Chase by reason of the dark they entred into the City resolving to pursue their enterprize so soon as day should appear But it was not the determination of those that fled for
Knight armed at all points who said to him Infamous Rascall you shall repent the time that you entred into this Castle Ah wicked fellow said the Solitary Knight art thou he who forcest Damsells At these words they charged one another and the Combate lasted so long between them that in the end he of the Castle had the worst and lost his life Which they of the Castle seeing did all submit themselves unto him then the old woman came who did make great lamentations for the death of the Knight who was her son but in the conclusion she threw down the keyes of the Prisons where her Prisoners were and two of her servants went downe into the Prisons and fetched them up who had been Prisoners there for the space of eighteen years and had not in all that time seen the day light The Captives beeing come before him and he having put off his Helmet they fell down at his feet and because he did much resemble his Grandfather Amadis two of the Company took for Amadis and said to him Ah Seigneur Amadis the succour and aid of all disconsolate ones you are arived here in very good time My friends answered he you are mistaken I am not Amadis neither did I ever see him Sir said one of them I doe beleeve that he is older but I am confident that you are kin to him And who are you said the Solitary I am said he Gastiles Nephew to the Emperor of Constantinople and this other is Tartarie his Admirall The Solitary Knight had formerly heard of them but it was supposed that they had been dead twentie years before wherefore he said to them my friend I am very joyfull that I have delivered you out of prison for the sake of the Emperour And as they were thus discoursing the old woman came who having heard them talk of the Emperor who was the man in the world that she hated most she made a great complaint however said she I will content my selfe for the good and noble King Armato doth now besiege Constantinople and is ready to conquer it In good faith Madam answered the Solitary Knight the Army of the King of whom you speak hath been defeated and he himselfe is dead and the rest of his Army is fallen into the hands of this Emperour your great Enemy Oh ye Gods said the old woman what is this that I hear I will not live after that most puissant King Armato then she took her sons sword and set it to her breast and fell thereon and so sell down dead At which they all laughted and that which encreased their laughter they saw the Damsell who caused the Solitary Knight to come to the Castle come forth and with great force throw her self into the water where she was soon devoured by Crocodiles and such other gentle birds who repaired thither Then the Solitary demanded of one of them what was this old womans name and how she came to take so many Knights Sir answered he she was neice to the King Armato and Ladie of this Isle called the Isle of the Lake of Serpents and so called for the great number of such beasts who are nourished in this water and from thence came this great Serpent who lies dead there who did much damage unto this Country untill our Lady by the meanes of her Aunt Melea found the meanes to enclose the beast where you found it And for the ill will she bore to the Emperor she used all meanes by the help of the Damsell to take all Christian Knights whereby many were killed by the Serpent B◠my head said the Solitary Knight I never heard of the like wickedness Then he asked Gastiles if he had been served so yes truly said he and we have continued here above seventeen years in great miserie and calamity having but little to eat and that little but bad Thus he through their perswasions stayed there all that night when the next morning he told Gastiles that he would depart and desired him seeing the old woman was so great an Enemy of the Emperour to let the Emperour have the place as for himselfe he could not tell what to doe with any possession Then he telling Gastiles that his name was the Solitary Knight departed and victualling his barque and taking one of the best horses he entred thereinto and the barque began to saile of it self CHAP. XXXIII How Gastiles and Tartarie embarqued to goe to Constantinople to carry the head of the Serpent THe Solitary Knight being departed Gastiles and Tartarie with the help of the Inhabitants of the place drew the Serpent up out of the vault having provided themselves of a ship they intreated the others who had been prisoners there to looke to the Island whilest they went to Constantinople and they taking the head of the Serpent along with them departed and set said 〈◊〉 Thrace where they arived the eighth day after when they arived at Constantinople they landed and went directly to the Palace being followed by much people where they found the Emperour Esplandian and they cast themselves down at his feet But he soon took them up not knowing them but when he and the rest knew them they were all very joyfull and they declared unto the Emperor the manner of their Inlargement by the meanes of the Solitary Knight The Emperor hearing them speak of the Solitary Knight of whom Alquefa had before spoken did much marvell who it might be and did say that he was the best Knight in the world After that the Empresse Leonorina had seen Gastiles Esplandian sent him to the old Emperor who he knew would be very joyfull to see him and in the mean time Esplandian recounted unto the Empresse all that he had understood of the Solitary Knight wherefore the Empresse said unto him I am perswaded that this is our son and that makes him not discover himselfe Madam answered the Emperor I doe not think so he went without any armes neverthelesse be he who he will be as for my part I account him the valiantest Knight in the world Alquefa was there at that time present and therefore she desired the Emperour to let her have the head of the Serpent whereby she might carry it to Trebisond that they might see the Prowesse of the Solitary Knight which desire the Emperour granting she presently set saile for Trebisond CHAP. XXXIV How the Solitary Knight sailing on the Sea was by fortune cast at the foot of a Rock wherein Amadis Oriana and others were prisoners whom he delivered THe Solitary Knight was so driven by a Tempest after his departure from the Isle of Serpents that one munday morning he arived at the foot of a great Isle where he saw a ship and many Mariners and Souldiers dead floating on the waves Wherefore he resolved to land and taking forth his horse hee took his Lance Sheild and Helmet and set forwards untill he heard a voice saying pitifully Oh sovereign God! How is
armes encountred him so strongly that his Lance flew into shivers then turning his bridle he said By my God sir Knight your courtesie is greater then is published and it is no wonder that your renown increaseth so as it doth seeing that without touching me you can so well vanquish me that for the future you may command me as he who desires to serve and honor you Knight answered the Solitary it is you your selfe who hath vanquished me by your virtue which is sufficient to subdue the proudest Knight in the world And therefore I would intreat you to discover your selfe to me I am said he son to the Emperor of Rome and my name is Pinerpie Thus I am forced to leave you to the protection of God to follow the Empresse Thus they parted and the Empress and the rest sâ—t forwards in the way to Fenuse where King Amadis sojourned and the Solitary returned to Perion and Alquefa and recounted the discourse he had with Pinerpie CHAP. XLI How the Solitary and the Alman sent Alquefa to King Amadis and what discourse she had with him THe Solitary Knight and his Company staid that night in the Forest and the next morning they remounted on horseback They had not long travelled when they met a Knight very weary and his armes tainted with blood wherefore they asked him where he had been so handled who told them that he had rescued a Damsell from two Knights and had killed one and in pursuing the other he had lost his Squires they then asked his name sir said he I am called Angriole D' Estrevaux and am great Master of King Amadis his house by whose command I am agoing to London to informe the Knights how to honor and receive the Empress Leonorina he would keep open Court at the next Penticost and he will then arme the Prince Adriell and one of the sons of King Norandell Knights who lately arived here for that purpose and therefore I pray you sirs if you meet my Squires shew them the way that I am gone Then taking his leave of them he left them displeasant to see him in this danger for they loved and esteemed him greatly They travelled not much further before they saw the Knight that Angriole had killed and a villain by him of whom they asked how far it was to Fenuse who told them two miles or thereabouts and said he I did this day direct a great company thither and amongst them there was Agries King of Scotland and Mabila his wife who are gone to visit King Amadis So they departed and the next morning they sent Alquefa disguised to the Court to King Amadis to informe him that the Solitary Knight according to his promise at the Castle of the Rock was come to visit him and did desire to have a Tent without the Town where the Tourney was to be held because he and his Companion would not be known which the King granted unto her with many thanks and thereupon ordered Gandalin to provide a Tent and every thing necessary which he did which being done she promising that the two Knights should be there on the morrow departed and went to the Knights CHAP. XLII How the Solitary and the Alman requested of the King to permit them to keep the Feild against all those who would come to the Joust and break Lances for the space of eight dayes ALquefa being returned as you have heard and having recited the summe of her answer to the two Knights she presently departed to Fenuse where they were greatly welcomed by King Amadis and the rest of the traine and in the conclusion because King Amadis did know that the two Knights would not willingly be discovered and the night drawing on he gave command unto Gandalin to conduct the Solitary and the Alman unto their Tent and see every thing provided for them which he did and after they had taken their leaves of King Amadis and the rest of the Court Gandalin conducted them to their Tent where they being provided with all things he left them knowing that they would not disarme themselves before he was departed Then they refreshed themselves and the next evening they repaired to the Court where they found King Amadis discoursing with Argamont but so soon as they came in they left their discourse and the Solitary Knight approaching neer the King kneeled on the ground and said to him so loud that every one could hear Most puissant and Soveraigne King the occasion of our coming into this your Countrie hath been especially to doe you service and after we had heard of the Court you intend to keep this next Pentecost we thought good to make one request to you which we humbly intreat you to grant us which is that you permit us to maintaine a Joust for eight dayes against all those that will trie themselves under the condition you shall hear We will it so it please you hang two sheilds such as our own are on a post and that Knight that shall touch either of them shall be obliged to joust against us and I for my part purpose to doe nothing but what shall be for the honor and service of Madam Brisenna your daughter for so long as I abide in this place if she pleas to accept of me I shall and will be her Knight but none shall call us to combate with the Sword for what we doe is onely for pleasure therefore if we be all thrown down we will mount againe and so joust untill some of us be cast on the ground and the others remaine in their saddles and those that doe so remaine mounted shall be obliged to maintaine these conditions for the rest of the said eight dayes and if it happen that one Knight doth dismount us both one after another then he shall be obliged to maintaine and continue these Articles for the rest of the said eight dayes And further if so stands with the pleasure of my Lady Brisenna she shall send for every Knight that we shall vanquish the name of that Knight that shall be vanquished in testimonie that this justice is enterprised by us for her praise and honor In good faith answered the King you shall not be referred but if you think good I will be third so that if it shall happen that you be both dismounted then the vanquisher shall be bound to joust with me and this shall onely be for all strangers This pleased all the Assembly except Pinerpie who was as much discontented as Brisenna was joyfull of the enterprize that was done for her sake Pinerpie was greatly in love with Brisenna and therefore he bore in his Sheild seven B. as you have formerly heard and was come purposely from his own Country at the report of her beautie This discourse being ended Yrguian son to Gandalin had the charge of erecting Scaffolds without the Town as the Solitary had appointed CHAP. XLIII How King Amadis being in the Company of many wise men Olorius
Prince of Spaine arived at the Court to intreat him to give him Knighthood AS they were thus discoursing together about the enterprise of the Solitary a Gentleman entred the Hall clad with garments of the cloth of Gold covered with pearls and rich precious stones he was faire and of a good stature In this Company was twentie Knights and as many Squires and at his arivall making great reverence to King Amadis he set his knee to the ground and kissed his hands But the King graciously received him and asked him who he was Sirs replied he my name is Olorious of Spaine and I am son to King Don Brian your singular good friend who at my request sent me to you to reverence the order of Knighthood which I humbly intreat of you to bestow on me being confident that I cannot receive this honor of a better hand then yours Amadis understanding who he was kindely welcomed him and presented him to Queen Oriana and the Empress Leonorina saying to them Ladies see the King of Spaines Son I pray make him welcome he then humbly saluted them and a chaire being brought the Queen caused him to sit downe And because the Solitary and the Alman would retire Amadis left him to discourse with the Ladies to give the good night to the two Knights untill the next day of Pentecost they came to the Court it being late and their Helmets on their heads because they would not be discovered and they found the Princess of Spaine and Naples and King Norandells Son richly armed with white armes as it was the custome for new Knights Thus they were conducted to the Church to watch whither they were attended by the Empress the Queens Oriana of Scotland and of Sardaigne the Infanta Brisenna and other Ladies and Damsells who left them there untill the next morning when Amadis in the companie of the two unknown Knights and many other great Lords Ladies and Damsells went to them Then he gave them the Order and Oriana girded on the Sword of Olorius the Empress Prince Elinie's and the Infanta Brisenna Adariells Then soon after the Masse was solemnly celebrated by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and from thence they went to the Palace where the great Hall was hung with much rich Tapestrie which the deceased King Lisvart had caused to be made in his time in the one whereof was described the Combate of Amadis against Ardan Canile in the others that of the Endragus the triall of the Arke of Loyall Lovers the Defended Chamber the proofe of the Sword and the Scarfe with flowers the cruell battell of one hundred to one hundred betwen King Lisvart and Cildadan at that time that Amadis lost the name of the faire forlorne and likewise how he vanquished the two strong Giants Famongornad and his son Barsigant who carried the Infanta Leonor Prisoner But the Solitary and the Alman returned to their Tent where the Infanta Brisenna sent them horses and all manner of other provisions as Cloth of Gold to cover their Sheilds with which they all did and so taking their Lances they went unto the place appointed for the Tournie whether soon after came King Amadis accompanied with most of the Lords and Ladies of the Court they had not staid there long before they saw six Knights very well armed and mounted who came out of the Forrest foure whereof retired and the other two having touched the two Sheilds that were placed on the pillars prepared themselves for the Encounter which they presently performed so that their Lances broke into shivers and they were forced to measure their lengths on the ground which Fortune likewise happened to the other four onely the two last ran twice before they left their horses Then there came those who were ordained for the keeping of the Tourney to know their names but before they arived they had pulled off their Helmets so that they saw the two first to be Teluis the Flemming and Yrguian son of Gandalin the two others Dragonis and Balonir and the others Garnate of the Dreadfull dale and Ambor of Gandell son to Angriole D'Estrevaux Soon after the Infanta Brisenna sent the names of the vanquished Knights according to the agreement and soon after that fourteen Knights were seen to come out of the wood and a little while after ten others who came all to touch the sheilds but the two Knights rewarded them all so well that he soon made them all measure their lengths on the ground Thus these two Knights after they had done with these remained readie to assaile or defend as occasion should happen untill it grew dark and therefore the King Amadis with all his traine departed to supper where all their discourse was about these two valiant and victorious Knights CHAP. XLIV How Urganda came by Sea to Fenuse and of the fear she put the Town in THe same night as supper was almost ended there entred some into the Court to informe King Amadis that there was the strangest sight on the Sea that ever was beheld whereupon the Knights of the Court being somewhat affrighted with this adventure presently armed themselves and ran to the Sea-side in the company of the King where they saw about a mile of a Mountain of fire in the Sea and from thence there came so much thunder and lightning that the Inhabitants of the town were greatly frighted therewith so that they thought it was the judgments of God to punish them for their former sins wherefore they fell on their knees to ask and implore Gods aid this Mountaine approached neer the Shoare and the neerer it came the more the fire went out and at last all the Mountaine vanished in lieu thereof they onely saw a great Ship with Apes and every one of their Apes held a burning Torch and there was seen twelve Damsels and in the midst of them sate one Ladie who was soon known to be their Mistris and they made the rarest Musick in the world and this Ladie was soon knowne by Amadis and others to be Vrganda wherefore Amadis having a Skiffe boarded her ship And then after their usuall manner of greeting she began to recont unto Amadis and the rest the cause of her coming which she said was onely to doe him pleasure and partly at the desire of the Sagee Alquefa who had lent her that ship with Apes to conduct her thether Then Amadis led her under the Arme unto the shoare and so into the Town where she was welcomed by Oriana and the other Ladies of the Court It was late and above midnight before they had ended their discourse and Vrganda prayed the King to let her lodge with the Infanta Brisenna to keep her company which he consented to wherefore giving her the good night she was conducted thither and every body went to sleep CHAP. XLV How the two Knights carried the honour of the second third fourth fifth and sixth dayes of the Tourney THe day following after dinner the King
and Ladies went to the Scaffolds to see what would happen to the two Knights in this dayes adventure where they had not long stayed before there issued twentie Knights out of the wood who having touched the Sheilds were all soon dismounted to the great honour of the two Knights and so they continued untill the fifth day of the Combate still vanquishing all that they encountred with all Wherefore Pinerpie and the three other new Knights intreated the King to let them trie themselves against the two Knights which request the King at last granted and that evening there arived before the King a Knight that was armed at all points except Helmet and Gantlets who was soon known to be Sergill sometimes Esquire to Esplandian who brought news that the Empress was newly brought to bed of a Daughter named Luciana and she was so called because she bad a shining Star on her left breast Olorius of Spaine being at that time present and hearing hereof did presently resolve to choose no other device but the flaming Star which he caused to he made against the next day when he purposed to trie his valour The next day the foure Knights being entred the field against the Alman and the Solitary they all jousted bravely especially Olorius who ran eight times without being dismounted and the ninth time they were both thrown from their horses when presently fresh horses were brought them and at the tenth course Olorius was cast from his horse with his saddle between his legs and that night he dismounted above fourty more amongst whom there was Sergil Mareince and Garnate of the Dreadfull dale Siontes nephew to the deceased Lisvart Listoran and many others whose names I thinke good to omit Then the Infanta Brisenna sent her accustomed messenger who desired the two Knights to be at supper with the King which they accorded to CHAP. XLVI How as King Amadis was risen from Supper a Damsell entred who brought him a Message from two strange Knights AS supper was ended there entred into the Hall a Damsell who soon cast her selfe down at the feet of Amadis who desired him to suffer two Knights who were newly arived in his Countrie to fight with swords with the two Knights that maintained the Joust in the great Hall of his Palace for as then it was so dark that they could not possibly see to joust within the Lists Which the King would not grant unless the two Knights defendants would consent unto it which they presently did wherefore the Messenger departed and soon after there arived two Knights with a most gallant traine being very rich and having Heralds with Crownes borne before them they soon began their Combate which was bravely maintained on both sides for above halfe an houre but a Knight that came in their company had a golden staffe in his hand went between them and cryed out aloud Hold Knights hold you doe not fight in good earnest onely in jeast and to please Ladies then the Heralds approached and takeing off their Helmets placed Crownes on their heads and Scepters in their hands and he with the Golden staffe was soone known to be Perion of Sobradise and the two Assailants were Galafea and Pintiquinestra and the first that began to dance was Mancly the Sage All the others were black and white women which spectacle made the King and all his traine to laugh heartily And the two Knights Perion and Lisvart went to excuse themselves for fighting with the Ladies The King Amadis kindely welcomed them and they related unto him the cause of their coming to his Court which was onely said they to visit your Majestie Madam Oriana and your daughter Brisenna together with this your honourable Court. In good faith my friends said the King you have done me much honour and pleasure and I thanke you with all my heart Pintiquinestra was at that time so faire and of so good a favour by reason of a vermilion colour which was mounted in her face that there was none in the company but did judge her more worthy to force men at a Combate between two Courtaines then to handle the Armes of Mars for what dexterity soever she had to aid her in a Combate or in the field that of Venus was much more proper and peculiar to her CHAP. XLVII How the two Defendants bore away the honor of the seventh day and of those that they vanquished THe next day at the accustomed time which was after dinner the King Queen and Ladies went all to the Scaffolds where the two Knights jousted with many valiant Knights as Perion of Sobradise and Mancly Gandalin Listoran Branfill Tuntiles the Proud Carine of Carsante Autalie son of Olivas Bracete son of Brandoyvas Garamont son to the King of Norewales Brandany of Gaule and many others whom they vanquished and after they had unhorsed all these there came eight others out of the Forest who were a company with one Ladie and six Damsells with whom the two Knights jousted after they had touched the two sheilds on the Pillars but they were all of them in the end forced to measure their lengths on the ground after they had first jousted very well for the eigth Knight who jousted with the Solitary broke eleven Lances and at the twelfth they met with their bodies with such force that the Solitary lost one of his strings ready to fall if he had not laid hold of the neck of his horse but the other was thrown downe quite bereft of his sences but when he came to himselfe he and his Companions pulled their Helmets from their heads and saluting the King and Ladies the first that jousted was known to be Galaor of Scotland and Arandalie his brother the others Calsegue the baughtie and Galfary of Rome the fifth and sixth Surssie of Ireland son of King Cildadan who had newly received the Order of Knighthood and Angriole D' Estrevaux who was newly come from London the seventh was Quedragant and the eighth Galaor King of Sobradise all Knights Errants who conducted Briolanea who with this little traine of women came to visite Queen Oriana and had casually met these Knights Great was the welcome that King Amadis made them Soone after they saw ten Knights more come out of the Forest who were all thrown from their horses at the first encounter and so the night drawing on they lest off for this night Then the King and the Ladies departed conducting his brother and Queen Briolana to the Palace where they found supper readie during which time Galaor d manded of Mancly if he knew any news of his two sons Talanque and Garinter who answered him that Talanque staid in Californus and that Garinter had married the Queen of Listrie and Citherea being a puissant Queen which he had done by the victorie he had had over a Giant in open Battell the Knight of the Sphere being present This news greatly pleased Galaor and all the company and all that evening they had no
between them two wherefore he intreated their consents which they willingly granted and so the Marriage rites were performed for them and Perion and Pintiquinestra both together CHAP. L. How on the day of St John Amadis being in the Company of many great Lords the Governour of Sicilia arived at the Court leading with him a King and Queen inchanted and of that which happened thereupon THe Solemnity of these Weddings continued for the space of eight whole dayes during which time Perion was crowned King and Alquif and Vrganda having taken their leaves of Amadis and the rest departed As the King was one day in the company of many noble men there entred a Knight clad in mourning his beard and haire being white and hanging down as low as his girdle and he carried in his hand a roule of parchment with Letters in Gold written thereon and a Knight followed him armed with very rich Armes having a Helmet made of a polisht Diamond neer unto this Knight there went a very faire Damsell having very rich ornaments She had on her head a Crown garnished with great Emeraulds and Rubies and she was accompanied with twentie Knights who had all black armour He that marched before them all made great reverence to King Amadis and related to him the cause of his coming into his Court which was to trie if any of the Knights and Ladies of his Court could finish a most strange adventure which was this The Prince of Sicilie whose name was Alpatracie was inchanted together with Miraminea his wife and they could not be disinchanted but by the loyallest Knight and the beautifullest Ladie unmarried in the world and therefore this old man went into all Princes Courts to trie if he could by any meanes happen on such a Knight who by combating with Alpatracie should conquer him and such a Ladie who could obteine the Crown which she had on her head And the Roll of Parchment that was in the old mans hand was to this effect The old man having delivered his minde unto Amadis he presently granted unto him his desire which was to suffer this adventure to be tried in his Court wherefore there were many Knights that tried this adventure the first was Adâ—riel who was soone vanquished by the enchanted Knight then came Pinerpie Olorius Suyssie of Ireland Ambor of Gandell Marsinie of the Dreadfull dale Pintince of Carsante Siontes Silercie son to Don Grumedan and Fallorefte son to Bravor no sooner had these Knights tried this adventure but news was brought to the King that three ships had taken anchor at the Port wherefore he sent presently to know who they were and they reported that it was the Infanta Brisenna daughter to Don Bruneo who came to keep her cousen Brisenna companie Amadis with his traine went out and he brought her into his Palace where Trison was ready and there soon entred two Knights unknown who after he had saluted the King and Ladies went to combate with Alpatracie but they were both after a short fight vanquished and then they discovered themselves to be Quedragant son to Quedragant and Abies of Ireland whose arivall increased the pleasure of the Company and Amadis inquired of them how they had left the Defended Mountaine who answered him that King Norandell and the Admirall Frandalo had taken truce with the Turks for six moneths and that in the meane time they had been in search of a Knight called the Solitary but now they heard of him and found him In this time the Queen Calafea had armed her selfe against the inchanted Knight but she coming to assaile he instead of drawing forth his weapon to defend himselfe kneeled downe on the ground which King Amadis seeing he said to her Madam I thinke he loves you better then to fight with you Truly said she 〈◊〉 doe beleeve it Then Perion of Gaule advanced to assaile the Inchanted Knight and the Combate lasted for the space of two houres but in the end he was vanquished Wherefore Lisvart set forwards and balling on his Lady to aid him he drew out his sword but the Inchanted Knight would not draw forth his but the neerer Lisvart approached him the more he fled from him so it was impossible to overtake him then Lisvart put up his sword in his scabbard and pursued him so fast as could but he could by no meanes come neere him he fled so fast which they all seeing were abashed at it and Friston himselfe said that he had never seen the like Wherefore he desired that the Ladies might assay to get the Crowne of Myraminea so the Infanta Brisenna began and following the old mans directions kneeled down before the inchanted Queen and said to her Madam may it please you to give me that Crown whereby you will make me the happiest Ladie in the world Miraminea tooke her by the hands and took her up and tooke her and left her in the midst of the Hall which constrained Brisenna to blush with shame and cousen Elisenna came in her stead who as well as many others were denied Some were served worse for she gave five or six such thrusts with her fist against their stomacks that she threw them on the ground causing great laughter Friston having taken his leave of the King departed with his Company being sorry for his no better success And Alpatracie and Myraminea remounted into their Charret covered with cloth of Silver and being followed by twentie Knights armed with black armour in signe of sadness followed on their way leaving Lisvart much troubled that he could not finish this adventure In the mean time Quedragant kept in the company of the Infanta Elisena of whom he was enamoured and she was as much on her part after she had seen him combate with the Enchanted Knight CHAP. LI. How a Knight came to desire Amadis on the behalfe of the King of Sanvagine and of the returne of those who were newly come to Court THe day following there came to the Court a Knight almost as big as a Giant who being come before the King delivered him a Letter sealed with foure Seales wherein was conteined as followeth SUlpicie King of Sanvagine by the death of our Vnckle Grifflant of good memory whom our Gods feed with Ambrosia and Nectar Grafante and Bostrose our dear and well beloved brethren doe let the Amadis the King of great Brittaine know that the Gods having given us forces and power we are resolved to revenge the death of our late deare Vnckle upon this condition we present you the Combate of us three against three of yours whom you shall choose and if we are vanquished we will then deliver up all the rest of our Countries without ever laying claime thereunto hereafter but if we doe vanquish your three then we shall expect that Sarquiles whom you have left in the Castle of the Rock shall depart and leave us peaceable possession of our Country The King having heard this Letter demanded of the Messenger if he